Methods and materials relating to stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides and polynucleotides

ABSTRACT

The invention provides novel polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides and mutants or variants thereof that correspond to a novel human secreted stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides. Other aspects of the invention include vectors containing processes for producing novel human secreted stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides, and antibodies specific for such polypeptides.

This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/125,852 filed Apr. 19, 2002 nowabandoned, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 60/316,368 filed Aug. 30, 2001, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/799,451 filed Mar. 5, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,969; and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 60/339,739 filed Dec. 10, 2001; all of whichare herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 Technical Field

The present invention provides novel polynucleotides and proteinsencoded by such polynucleotides, along with uses for thesepolynucleotides and proteins, for example in therapeutic, diagnostic andresearch methods.

1.2 Background Art

Identified polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences have numerousapplications in, for example, diagnostics, forensics, gene mapping,identification of mutations responsible for genetic disorders or othertraits, to assess biodiversity, and to produce many other types of dataand products dependent on DNA and amino acid sequences. Proteins areknown to have biological activity, for example, by virtue of theirsecreted nature in the case of leader sequence cloning, by virtue oftheir cell or tissue source in the case of PCR-based techniques, or byvirtue of structural similarity to other genes of known biologicalactivity. It is to these polypeptides and the polynucleotides encodingthem that the present invention is directed. In particular, thisinvention is directed to novel stem cell growth factor-like polypeptidesand polynucleotides.

Stem cells are defined as cells with the capacity for unlimited orprolonged self-renewal that can produce at least one type of highlydifferentiated descendent. It is believed that between the stem cellsand its terminally differentiated progeny there is an intermediatepopulation of committed progenitors with limited capacity and restricteddifferentiation potential (Watt and Hogan, (2000) Science 287,1427-1430, incorporated herein by reference). Embryonic stem celldivision and differentiation give rise to all the differentiated cellsand organs of a multicellular organism. A reserve of stem cells ismaintained during the adult life of an organism in order to replenishthe terminally differentiated cell populations like hematopoietic cells.It is generally assumed that the adult stem cells are derived from theembryonic stem cells and have only a limited potential fordifferentiation. Stem cells in general have been extremely difficult toculture and maintain in vitro, let alone directing them on apredetermined differentiation pathway.

However, more recently new research have shown that the adult stem cellsdo possess much wider potential for differentiation than previouslythought It was shown that adult neural stem cells when transplanted inan irradiated host, were able to populate the bone marrow and give riseto myeloid, lymphoid and early hematopoietic cells (Bjornson et al,(1999) Science, 283, 534-537, incorporated herein by reference). Also,for the first time, researchers have been able to culture humanembryonic stem cells in vitro. The authors showed that human blastocystcells can be cultured for a prolonged time and could differentiate intovariety of different cell types (Thomson et al, (1998) Science, 282,1145-1147, incorporated herein by reference). This has opened the doorsfor using autologous transplantation and organ regeneration fortreatment of organ failures and degenerative diseases. Preciseinteractions of multiple receptors on the stem cells with soluble andstromal cell expressed factors are required for a stem cell to divideand commit to differentiation. It has become apparent that the tissueniches and the microenvironment providing the factors are of the utmostimportance. Cytolines like IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, and soluble proteins likeand flt-3, erythropoietin, and stem cell factor, all have been shown toact in concert to achieve differentiation down a specific pathway. It isthought precise combinations of growth factors, cytokines, and tissuelocalization could give rise to different differentiated stem cellspopulations.

One type of stem cell factor (also know as steel factor, mast cellgrowth factor and kit ligand) is constitutively produced by endothelialcells and fibroblasts (Broudy, (1997) Blood 90, 1342-1364, incorporatedherein by reference). This SCF is expressed during embryonic developmentalong the migratory pathways and in destinations of primordial germcells and melanocytes, in sites of hemopoiesis (including the yolk sac,fetal liver, and bone marrow), in the gut, and in the central nervoussystem. This SCF is also required during adult life as has beendemonstrated using neutralizing antibodies to SCF or SCF receptor. Theseantibody treatments lead to pancytopenia and markedly decreased bonemorrow cellularity, suggesting that continued production of SCF bymarrow endothelial cells sand fibroblasts may be required for normalbasal hemopoiesis. Erythroid cell expansion is also reported to bedependent on SCF expression. Spermatogenesis, melanocyte development,gut motility, and response to intestinal helminth infection are alsoimpaired by anti-SCF treatment.

SCF is mapped to human chromosome 12a22-12q24. SCF is expressed as bothtransmembrane and soluble forms. These forms are generated byalternative splicing that either includes or excludes a proteolyticcleavage site. Both the transmembrane and soluble forms are biologicallyactive. The ratios of soluble to transmembrane forms varies dramaticallyin various tissues, ranging from 10:1 in brain to 0.4:1 in testis. SCFbind SCF receptor (also called c-kit receptor) on the cell surface. Thisbinging leads to receptor dimerization and intermolecularphosphorylation of tyrosines in the cytoplasmic domain. The tyrosinephosphorylation creates docking sites for SH2 domain containing proteinslike phospholipase C-y, phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase, Syp andjun-activated kinase 2 (JAK2). Activated JAK2 activates signaltransducers and activator of transcription (STATs) which leads tocellular migration, proliferation and/or differentiation.

Lack of SCF during embryonic development generally leads to perinataldeath. The steel mouse, which lacks only the soluble form of SCF, hasdefects in mast cell production but not in other lineages suggestingthat the transmembrane form of the factor may have roles in stem cellmaturation into various other hematopoietic cells. Mice lacking SCF alsoshow subtle neurological defects in learning and memory.

Thus, the stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides and polynucleotidesof the invention may be used to induce differentiation of embryonic andadult stem cells to give rise to different cell types including mastcells, melanocytes and primordial germ cells. They may also be used inthe treatment of leukemia, hemophilia, and degenerative diseases likeAlzheimer's disease. The SCF-like polypeptides and polynucleotides ofthe invention maybe useful in treating learning and memory disorders.The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention may further beutilized to generate new tissues and organs that may aid patients inneed of transplanted tissues.

2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on the discovery of novel stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptides, novel isolated polynucleotides encoding suchpolypeptides, including recombinant DNA molecules, cloned genes ordegenerate variants thereof, especially naturally occurring variantssuch as allelic variants, antisense polynucleotide molecules, andantibodies that specifically recognize or more epitopes present on suchpolypeptides, as well as hybridomas producing such antibodies.

The compositions of the present invention additionally include vectorssuch as expression vectors containing the polynucleotides of theinvention, cells genetically engineered to contain such polynucleotides,and cells genetically engineered to express such polynucleotides.

The compositions of the invention provide isolated polynucleotides thatinclude, but are not limited to, a polynucleotide comprising thenucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14,16-17, 19, or 26; or a fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14,16-17, 19, or 26; a polynucleotide comprising the full length proteincoding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26(for example, SEQ ID NO: 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, or 27); and apolynucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence of the mature proteincoding sequence of any of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21,or 27. The polynucleotides of the present invention also include, butare not limited to, a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringenthybridization conditions to (a) the complement of any of the nucleotidesequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or26; (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding any of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11,13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27; a polynucleotide which is an allelic variantof any polynucleotides recited above having at least 70% polynucleotidesequence identity to the polynucleotides; a polynucleotide which encodesa species homolog (e.g. orthologs) of any of the peptides recited above;or a polynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide comprising a specificdomain or truncation of the polypeptide comprising SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9,11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27.

A collection as used in this application can be a collection of only onepolynucleotide. The collection of sequence information or uniqueidentifying information of each sequence can be provided on a nucleicacid array. In one embodiment, segments of sequence information areprovided on a nucleic acid array to detect the polynucleotide thatcontains the segment. The array can be designed to detect full-match ormismatch to the polynucleotide that contains the segment. The collectioncan also be provided in a computer-readable format.

This invention further provides cloning or expression vectors comprisingat least a fragment of the polynucleotides set forth above and hostcells or organisms transformed with these expression vectors. Usefulvectors include plasmids, cosmids, lambda phage derivatives, phagemids,and the like, that are well known in the art. Accordingly, the inventionalso provides a vector including a polynucleotide of the invention and ahost cell containing the polynucleotide. In general, the vector containsan origin of replication functional in at least one organism, convenientrestriction endonuclease sites, and a selectable marker for the hostcell. Vectors according to the invention include expression vectors,replication vectors, probe generation vectors, and sequencing vectors. Ahost cell according to the invention can be a prokaryotic or eukaryoticcell and can be a unicellular organism or part of a multicellularorganism.

The compositions of the present invention include polypeptidescomprising, but not limited to, an isolated polypeptide selected fromthe group comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9,11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27; or the corresponding full length or matureprotein. Polypeptides of the invention also include polypeptides withbiological activity that are encoded by (a) any of the polynucleotideshaving a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12,14, 16-17, 19, or 26; or (b) polynucleotides that hybridize to thecomplement of the polynucleotides of (a) under stringent hybridizationconditions. Biologically or immunologically active variants of any ofthe protein sequences listed as SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18,20-21, or 27 and substantial equivalents thereof that retain biologicalor immunological activity are also contemplated. The polypeptides of theinvention may be wholly or partially chemically synthesized but arepreferably produced by recombinant means using the geneticallyengineered cells (e.g. host cells) of the invention.

The invention also provides compositions comprising a polypeptide of theinvention. Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may comprise apolypeptide of the invention and an acceptable carrier, such as ahydrophilic, e.g., pharmaceutically acceptable, carrier.

The invention also relates to methods for producing a polypeptide of theinvention comprising culturing host cells comprising an expressionvector containing at least a fragment of a polynucleotide encoding thepolypeptide of the invention in a suitable culture medium underconditions permitting expression of the desired polypeptide, andpurifying the protein or peptide from the culture or from the hostcells. Preferred embodiments include those in which the protein producedby such a process is a mature form of the protein.

Polynucleotides according to the invention have numerous applications ina variety of techniques known to those skilled in the art of molecularbiology. These techniques include use as hybridization probes, use asoligomers, or primers, for PCR, use in an array, use incomputer-readable media, use for chromosome and gene mapping, use in therecombinant production of protein, and use in generation of antisenseDNA or RNA, their chemical analogs and the like. For example, when theexpression of an mRNA is largely restricted to a particular cell ortissue type, polynucleotides of the invention can be used ashybridization probes to detect the presence of the particular cell ortissue mRNA in a sample using, e.g., in situ hybridization.

In other exemplary embodiments, the polynucleotides are used indiagnostics as expressed sequence tags for identifying expressed genesor, as well known in the art and exemplified by Vollrath et al., Science258:52-59 (1992), as expressed sequence tags for physical mapping of thehuman genome.

The polypeptides according to the invention can be used in a variety ofconventional procedures and methods that are currently applied to otherproteins. For example, a polypeptide of the invention can be used togenerate an antibody that specifically binds the polypeptide. Suchantibodies, particularly monoclonal antibodies, are useful for detectingor quantitating the polypeptide in tissue. The polypeptides of theinvention can also be used as molecular weight markers, and as a foodsupplement.

Methods are also provided for preventing, treating, or ameliorating amedical condition which comprises the step of administering to amammalian subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compositioncomprising a peptide of the present invention and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier.

In particular, the stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides andpolynucleotides of the invention may be used to induce differentiationof embryonic and adult stem cells to give rise to different cell types.They may also be used in the treatment of diseases, for example,leukemia, hemophilia, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer'sdisease. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention mayfurther be utilized to generate new tissues and organs that may aidpatients in need of transplanted tissues.

The methods of the invention also provide methods for the treatment ofdisorders as recited herein which comprise the administration of atherapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising apolynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier to a mammalian subject exhibiting symptoms ortendencies related to disorders as recited herein. In addition, theinvention encompasses methods for treating diseases or disorders asrecited herein comprising the step of administering a compositioncomprising compounds and other substances that modulate the overallactivity of the target gene products and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier. Compounds and other substances can effect such modulationeither on the level of target gene/protein expression or target proteinactivity. Specifically, methods are provided for preventing, treating orameliorating a medical condition, including viral diseases, whichcomprises administering to a mammalian subject, including but notlimited to humans, a therapeutically effective amount of a compositioncomprising a polypeptide of the invention or a therapeutically effectiveamount of a composition comprising a binding partner of (e.g., antibodyspecifically reactive for) stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides ofthe invention. The mechanics of the particular condition or pathologywill dictate whether the polypeptides of the invention or bindingpartners (or inhibitors) of these would be beneficial to the individualin need of treatment.

According to this method, polypeptides of the invention can beadministered to produce an in vitro or in vivo inhibition of cellularfunction. A polypeptide of the invention can be administered in vivoalone or as an adjunct to other therapies. Conversely, protein or otheractive ingredients of the present invention may be included informulations of a particular agent to minimize side effects of such anagent.

The invention further provides methods for manufacturing medicamentsuseful in the above-described methods.

The present invention further relates to methods for detecting thepresence of the polynucleotides or polypeptides of the invention in asample (e.g., tissue or sample). Such methods can, for example, beutilized as part of prognostic and diagnostic evaluation of disorders asrecited herein and for the identification of subjects exhibiting apredisposition to such conditions.

The invention provides a method for detecting a polypeptide of theinvention in a sample comprising contacting the sample with a compoundthat binds to and forms a complex with the polypeptide under conditionsand for a period sufficient to form the complex and detecting formationof the complex, so that if a complex is formed, the polypeptide isdetected.

The invention also provides kits comprising polynucleotide probes and/ormonoclonal antibodies, and optionally quantitative standards, forcarrying out methods of the invention. Furthermore, the inventionprovides methods for evaluating the efficacy of drugs, and monitoringthe progress of patients, involved in clinical trials for the treatmentof disorders as recited above.

The invention also provides methods for the identification of compoundsthat modulate (i.e., increase or decrease) the expression or activity ofthe polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the invention. Such methodscan be utilized, for example, for the identification of compounds thatcan ameliorate symptoms of disorders as recited herein. Such methods caninclude, but are not limited to, assays for identifying compounds andother substances that interact with (e.g., bind to) the polypeptides ofthe invention.

The invention provides a method for identifying a compound that binds tothe polypeptide of the present invention comprising contacting thecompound with the polypeptide under conditions and for a time sufficientto form a polypeptide/compound complex and detecting the complex, sothat if the polypeptide/compound complex is detected, a compound thatbinds to the polypeptide is identified.

Also provided is a method for identifying a compound that binds to thepolypeptide comprising contacting the compound with the polypeptide in acell for a time sufficient to form a polypeptide/compound complexwherein the complex drives expression of a reporter gene sequence in thecell and detecting the complex by detecting reporter gene sequenceexpression so that if the polypeptide/compound complex is detected acompound that binds to the polypeptide is identified.

3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 3 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 60% similarity over 232 amino acid residues and 46% identity overthe same 232 amino acid residues.

FIG. 2 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 3 and human secreted cloneda288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share 60%similarity over 232 amino acid residues and 46% identity over the same232 amino acid residues.

FIG. 3 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 9 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 55% similarity over 120 amino acid residues and 44% identity overthe same 120 amino acid residues.

FIG. 4 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 9 and human secreted proteinclone da288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share55% similarity over 120 amino acid residues and 44% identity over thesame 120 amino acid residues in the first High Scoring Pair (HSP).

FIG. 5 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 13 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 62% similarity over 262 amino acid residues and 46% identity overthe same 226 amino acid residues.

FIG. 6 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 3 and human secreted proteinclone da288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share62% similarity over 226 amino acid residues and 46% identity over thesame 226 amino acid residues.

FIG. 7 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 18 and mouse thrombospondintype 1 domain SEQ ID NO: 24, indicating that the two sequences share 92%similarity over 262 amino acid residues and 88% identity over the same262 amino acid residues.

FIG. 8 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 18 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 63% similarity over 242 amino acid residues and 46% identity overthe same 242 amino acid residues.

FIG. 9 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 18 and human secreted proteinclone da288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share63% similarity over 242 amino acid residues and 46% identity over thesame 242 amino acid residues.

4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 3 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 60% similarity over 232 amino acid residues and 46% identity overthe same 232 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine,D=Aspartic Acid, E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine,H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine,N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine, R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine,V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine. Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 2 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 3 and human secreted cloneda288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share 60%similarity over 232 amino acid residues and 46% identity over the same232 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine, D=Aspartic Acid,E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine, H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine,K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine, N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine,R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine, V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine.Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 3 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 9 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 55% similarity over 120 amino acid residues and 44% identity overthe same 120 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine,D=Aspartic Acid, E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine,H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine,N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine, R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine,V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine. Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 4 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 9 and human secreted proteinclone da288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share55% similarity over 120 amino acid residues and 44% identity over thesame 120 amino acid residues in the first high scoring pair, whereinA=Alanine, C=Cysteine, D=Aspartic Acid, E=Glutamic Acid,F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine, H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine,L=Leucine, M=Methionine, N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine,R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine, V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine.Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 5 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 13 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 62% similarity over 226 amino acid residues and 46% identity overthe same 226 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine,D=Aspartic Acid, E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine,H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine,N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine, R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine,V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine. Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 6 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 3 and human secreted proteinclone da288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share62% similarity over 226 amino acid residues and 46% identity over thesame 226 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine, D=AsparticAcid, E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine, H=Histidine,I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine, N=Asparagine,P=Proline, Q=Glutamine, R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine, V=Valine,W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine. Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 7 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 18 and mouse thrombospondintype 1 domain SEQ ID NO: 24, indicating that the two sequences share 92%similarity over 262 amino acid residues and 88% identity over the same262 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine, D=Aspartic Acid,E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine, H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine,K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine, N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine,R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine, V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine.Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 8 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 18 and human clone 1thrombospondin mRNA SEQ ID NO: 23, indicating that the two sequencesshare 63% similarity over 242 amino acid residues and 46% identity overthe same 242 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine,D=Aspartic Acid, E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine,H=Histidine, I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine,N=Asparagine, P=Proline, Q=Glutamine, R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine,V=Valine, W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine. Gaps are presented as dashes.

FIG. 9 shows the BLASTP amino acid sequence alignment between stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 18 and human secreted proteinclone da288_(—)6 SEQ ID NO: 25, indicating that the two sequences share63% similarity over 242 amino acid residues and 46% identity over thesame 242 amino acid residues, wherein A=Alanine, C=Cysteine, D=AsparticAcid, E=Glutamic Acid, F=Phenylalanine, G=Glycine, H=Histidine,I=Isoleucine, K=Lysine, L=Leucine, M=Methionine, N=Asparagine,P=Proline, Q=Glutamine, R=Arginine, S=Serine, T=Threonine, V=Valine,W=Tryptophan, Y=Tyrosine. Gaps are presented as dashes.

The stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 is anapproximately 250-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass ofapproximately 28-kDa unglycosylated. The initial methionine starts atposition 672 of SEQ ID NO:2 and the putative stop codon begins atpositions 1425 of SEQ ID NO:2. Protein database searches with the BLASTPalgorithm (Altschul S. F. et al., J. Mol. Evol. 36:290-300 (1993) andAltschul S. F. et al., J. Mol. Biol. 21:403-10 (1990), hereinincorporated by reference) indicate that SEQ ID NO: 3 is homologous tohuman clone 1 thrombospondin in mRNA and human secreted cloneda288_(—)6.

The stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 is anapproximately 131-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass ofapproximately 15-kDa unglycosylated. Protein database searches with theBLASTP algorithm (Altschul S. F. et al., J. Mol. Evol. 36:290-300 (1993)and Altschul S. F. et al., J. Mol. Biol. 21:403-10 (1990), hereinincorporated by reference) indicate that SEQ ID NO: 9 is homologoushuman clone 1 thrombospondin mRNA and human secreted clone 288_(—)6.

The stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 13 is anapproximately 243-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass ofapproximately 27-kDa unglycosylated. Protein database searches with theBLASTP algorithm (Altschul S. F. et al., J. Mol. Evol. 36:290-300 (1993)and Altschul S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. 21:403-10 (1990), hereinincorporated by reference) indicate that SEQ ID NO: 13 is homologous tohuman clone 1 thrombospondin mRNA and human secreted protein clone da288_(—)6.

The stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 18 is anapproximately 263-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass ofapproximately 29-kDa unglycosylated. Protein database searches with theBLASTP algorithm (Altschul S. F. et al., J. Mol. Evol. 36:290-300 (1993)and Altschul S. et al., J. Mol. Biol. 21:403-10 (1990), hereinincorporated by reference) indicate that SEQ ID NO: 18 is homologous tomouse thrombospondin type 1 domain, human clone 1 thrombospondin mRNA,and secreted protein clone 288_(—)6.

A predicted approximately twenty one-residue signal peptide (SEQ ID NO:5) is encoded from approximately residue 1 through residue 21 of SEQ IDNO: 3, 9, or 13. A predicted approximately twenty residue signal peptide(SEQ ID NO: 20) is encoded from approximately residue 1 through residue20 of SEQ ID NO: 18. The extra cellular portion may be useful on itsown. It may be confirmed by expression in mammalian cells and sequencingof the cleared product. The signal peptide was predicted using NeuralNetwork SignalP V1.1 program (Nielsen et al, (1997) Int. J. Neur. Syst.8, 581) (from Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, The TechnicalUniversity of Denmark). One of skill in the art will recognize that thecleavage site may be different than that predicted by the computerprogram. SEQ ID NO: 6 is the resulting peptide when the signal isremoved from SEQ ID NO: 3. SEQ ID NO: 11 is the resulting peptide whenthe signal is removed from SEQ ID NO: 9. SEQ ID NO: 15 is the resultingpeptide when the signal is removed from SEQ ID NO: 13. SEQ ID NO: 21 isthe resulting peptide when the signal is removed from SEQ ID NO: 18.

Thrombospondins are a family of extracellular matrix proteins that areinvolved in cell-cell and cell-matrix communication (Lawler (200) Curr.Opin. Cell Bio. 12, 634-640). More than five different thrombospondinsare known with distinct patterns of tissue distribution. Some tissueslike heart, cartilage, and brain express most of the thrombospondin geneproducts. Thrombospondin-1 is a major constituent of blood platelets.Thrombospondin-1 appears to function at the cell surface to bringtogether membrane proteins and cytokines and other soluble factors.Membrane proteins that bind thrombospondin-1 include integrins,integrin-associated protein (CD47), CD36, proteoglycans. Transforminggrowth factor β and platelet-derived growth factor also bindthrombospondin-1.

Thrombospondin-1 is a large protein with many distinct domains. Itcontains a globular domain at both amino and carboxy terminus, a regiono homology with procollagen, and three types of repeated sequence motifstermed thrombospondin (TSP) type 1, type 2, and type 3 repeats. TSP1repeat has been found in various different proteins including,complement components (C6, C7, C8A etc.) extracellular matrix proteinslike ADAMTS, mindin, axonal guidance molecule like F-spondinsemaphorins, and also SCO-spondin, and TRAP proteins of Plasmodium.

Thrombospondin type 1 (TSP) repeat can activate TGF β in epithelialtissues which is involved in regulation of cell growth, differentiation,adhesion, migration, and death. TSP1 is further involved in proteinbinding, heparin binging, cell attachment, neurite outgrowth, inhibitionof proliferation, inhibition of angiogenesis, and activation ofapoptosis. TSP1 domains of Plasmodium circumsporozoite (CS) protein andTRAP proteins are implicated in salivary gland invasion by thesporozoite.

TSP1 sequences are characterized by conserved cysteines, closely spacedtryptophans, and a cluster of basic residues. Spatial configuration ofTSP1 sequences shows to β-sheet domains which are shown to bind heparin(Kilpelainen et al (200) J. Biol Chem. 275, 13564-13570, incorporatedherein by reference). Similar spatial fold has been described forheparin-binding growth associated molecule (HB-GAM). HB-GAM is identicalto mitogenic and neurite outgrowth-promoting protein pleitrophin;osteoblast specific factor-1; heparin-binding neurotrophic factor; andheparin affin regulatory peptide. Expression of HB-GAM was shown to beassociated with extracellular matrix of axonal tracts and synapses, andalso with basement membranes outside of brain and in the cartilagematrix. Recently, N-syndecan has been shown to be receptor for HB-GAM inbrain and has been suggested to play roles in regulation o hippocampallong-term potentiation, a form of brain plasticity implicated in memoryand learning. Therefore, TSP1 containing proteins may act as growthpromoters and may exhibit stem cell factor-like activities.

In addition, thrombospondin, synthesized in bone marrow and depositedwithin the extracellular matrix, functions as a cytoadhesion moleculefor primary pluripotent progenitor cells, as well as for hematopoieticprogenitor cells committed to erythroid, granulocytic, andmegakaryocytic lineages. Thus thrombospondins may be important in bloodcell development (Long and Dixit (1990) Blood 75, 2311-2318,incorporated herein by reference).

Stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides and polynucleotides of theinvention may be used to induce differentiation of embryonic and adultstem cells to give rise to different cell types. They may also be usedin the treatment of leukemia, hemophilia, and degenerative diseases likeAlzheimer's disease. The polynucleotides and polypeptides of theinvention may further be utilized to generate new tissues and organsthat may aid patients in need of transplanted tissues.

4.1 Definitions

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “active” refers to those forms of the polypeptide that retainthe biologic and/or immunologic activities of any naturally occurringpolypeptide. According to the invention, the terms “biologically active”or “biological activity” refer to a protein or peptide havingstructural, regulatory or biochemical functions of a naturally occurringmolecule. Likewise “biologically active” or “biological activity” refersto the capability of the natural, recombinant or synthetic stem cellgrowth factor-like peptide, or any peptide thereof, to induce a specificbiological response in appropriate animals or cells and to bind withspecific antibodies. The term “stem cell growth factor-like biologicalactivity” refers to biological activity that is similar to thebiological activity of a stem cell growth factor-like.

The term “activated cells” as used in this application are those cellswhich are engaged in extracellular or intracellular membranetrafficking, including the export of secretory or enzymatic molecules aspart of a normal or disease process.

The terms “complementary” or “complementarity” refer to the naturalbinding of polynucleotides by base pairing. For example, the sequence5′-AGT-3′ binds to the complementary sequence 3′-TCA-5′. Complementaritybetween two single-stranded molecules may be “partial” such that onlysome of the nucleic acids bind or it may be “complete” such that totalcomplementarity exists between the single stranded molecules. The degreeof complementarity between the nucleic acid strands has significanteffects on the efficiency and strength of the hybridization between thenucleic acid strands.

The term “embryonic stem cells (ES)” refers to a cell that can give riseto many differentiated cell types in an embryo or an adult, includingthe germ cells. The term “germ line stem cells (GSCs)” refers to stemcells derived from primordial stem cells that provide a steady andcontinuous source of germ cells for the production of gametes. The term“primordial germ cells (PGCs)” refers to a small population of cells setaside from other cell lineages particularly from the yolk sac,mesenteries, or gonadal ridges during embryogenesis that have thepotential to differentiate into germ cells and other cells. PGCs are thesource from which GSCs and ES cells are derived The PGCs, the GSCs andthe ES cells are capable of self-renewal. Thus these cells not onlypopulate the germ line and give rise to a plurality of terminallydifferentiated cells that comprise the adult specialized organs, but areable to regenerate themselves. The term “totipotent” refers to thecapability of a cell to differentiate into all of the cell types of anadult organism. The term “pluripotent” refers to the capability of acell to differentiate into a number of differentiated cell types thatare present in an adult organism. A pluripotent cell is restricted inits differentiation capability in comparison to a totipotent cell.

The term “expression modulating fragment,” EMF, means a series ofnucleotides that modulates the expression of an operably linked ORF oranother EMF.

As used herein, a sequence is said to “modulate the expression of anoperably linked sequence” when the expression of the sequence is alteredby the presence of the EMF. EMFs include, but are not limited to,promoters, and promoter modulating sequences (inducible elements). Oneclass of EMFs is nucleic acid fragments which induce the expression ofan operably linked ORF in response to a specific regulatory factor orphysiological event.

The terms “nucleotide sequence” or “nucleic acid” or “polynucleotide” or“oligonculeotide” are used interchangeably and refer to a heteropolymerof nucleotides or the sequence of these nucleotides. These phrases alsorefer to DNA or RNA of genomic or synthetic origin which may besingle-stranded or double-stranded and may represent the sense or theantisense strand, to peptide nucleic acid (PNA) or to any DNA-like orRNA-like material. In the sequences, A is adenine, C is cytosine, G isguanine, and T is thymine; while N is A, T, G, or C. It is contemplatedthat where the polynucleotide is RNA, the T (thymine) in the sequenceherein may be replaced with U (uracil). Generally, nucleic acid segmentsprovided by this invention may be assembled from fragments of the genomeand short oligonucleotide linkers, or from a series of oligonucleotides,or from individual nucleotides, to provide a synthetic nucleic acidwhich is capable of being expressed in a recombinant transcriptionalunit comprising regulatory elements derived from a microbial or viraloperon, or a eukaryotic gene.

The terms “oligonucleotide fragment” or a “polynucleotide fragment”,“portion,” or “segment” or “probe” or “primer” are used interchangeablyand refer to a sequence of nucleotide residues which are at least about5 nucleotides, more preferably at least about 7 nucleotides, morepreferably at least about 9 nucleotides, more preferably at least about11 nucleotides and most preferably at least about 17 nucleotides. Thefragment is preferably less than about 500 nucleotides, preferably lessthan about 200 nucleotides, more preferably less than about 100nucleotides, more preferably less than about 50 nucleotides and mostpreferably less than 30 nucleotides. Preferably the probe is from about6 nucleotides to about 200 nucleotides, preferably from about 15 toabout 50 nucleotides, more preferably from about 17 to 30 nucleotidesand most preferably from about 20 to 25 nucleotides. Preferably thefragments can be used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), varioushybridization procedures or microarray procedures to identify or amplifyidentical or related parts of mRNA or DNA molecules. A fragment orsegment may uniquely identify each polynucleotide sequence of thepresent invention. Preferably the fragment comprises a sequencesubstantially similar to a portion of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14,16-17, 19, or 26.

Probes may, for example, be used to determine whether specific mRNAmolecules are present in a cell or tissue or to isolate similar nucleicacid sequences from chromosomal DNA as described by Walsh et al. (Walsh,P. S. et al., 1992, PCR Methods Appl 1:241-250). They may be labeled bynick translation, Klenow fill-in reaction, PCR, or other methods wellknown in the art. Probes of the present invention, their preparationand/or labeling are elaborated in Sambrook, J. et al., 1989, MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY; orAusubel, F. M. et al., 1989, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology,John Wiley & Sons, New York N.Y., both of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

The nucleic acid sequences of the present invention also include thesequence information from any of the nucleic acid sequences of SEQ IDNO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26. The sequence informationcan be a segment of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26that uniquely identifies or represents the sequence information of SEQID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26. One such segment can bea twenty-mer nucleic acid sequence because the probability that atwenty-mer is fully matched in the human genome is 1 in 300. In thehuman genome, there are three billion base pairs in one set ofchromosomes. Because 4²⁰ possible twenty-mers exist, there are 300 timesmore twenty-mers than there are base pairs in a set of humanchromosomes. Using the same analysis, the probability for aseventeen-mer to be fully matched in the human genome is approximately 1in 5. When these segments are used in arrays for expression studies,fifteen-mer segments can be used. The probability that the fifteen-meris fully matched in the expressed sequences is also approximately one infive because expressed sequences comprise less than approximately 5% ofthe entire genome sequence.

Similarly, when using sequence information for detecting a singlemismatch, a segment can be a twenty-five mer. The probability that thetwenty-five mer would appear in a human genome with a single mismatch iscalculated by multiplying the probability for a full match (1÷4²⁵) timesthe increased probability for mismatch at each nucleotide position(3×25). The probability that an eighteen mer with a single mismatch canbe detected in an array for expression studies is approximately one infive. The probability that a twenty-mer with a single mismatch can bedetected in a human genome is approximately one in five.

The term “open reading frame,” ORP, means a series of nucleotidetriplets coding for amino acids without any termination codons and is asequence translatable into protein.

The terms “operably linked” or “operably associated” refer tofunctionally related nucleic acid sequences. For example, a promoter isoperably associated or operably linked with a coding sequence if thepromoter controls the transcription of the coding sequence. Whileoperably linked nucleic acid sequences can be contiguous and in the samereading frame, certain genetic elements e.g. repressor genes are notcontiguously linked to the coding sequence but still controltranscription/translation of the coding sequence.

The term “pluripotent” refers to the capability of a cell todifferentiate into a number of differentiated cell types that arepresent in an adult organism. A pluripotent cell is restricted in itsdifferentiation capability in comparison to a totipotent cell.

The terms “polypeptide” or “peptide” or “amino acid sequence” refer toan oligopeptide, peptide, polypeptide or protein sequence or fragmentthereof and to naturally occurring or synthetic molecules. A polypeptide“fragment,” “portion,” or “segment” is a stretch of amino acid residuesof at least about 5 amino acids, preferably at least about 7 aminoacids, more preferably at least about 9 amino acids and most preferablyat least about 17 or more amino acids. The peptide preferably is notgreater than about 200 amino acids, more preferably less than 150 aminoacids and most preferably less than 100 amino acids. Preferably thepeptide is from about 5 to about 200 amino acids. To be active, anypolypeptide must have sufficient length to display biological and/orimmunological activity.

The term “naturally occurring polypeptide” refers to polypeptidesproduced by cells that have not been genetically engineered andspecifically contemplates various polypeptides arising frompost-translational modifications of the polypeptide including, but notlimited to, acetylation, carboxylation, glycosylation, phosphorylation,lipidation and acylation.

The term “translated protein coding portion” means a sequence whichencodes for the full length protein which may include any leadersequence or a processing sequence.

The term “mature protein coding sequence” refers to a sequence whichencodes a peptide or protein without any leader/signal sequence. The“mature protein portion” refers to that portion of the protein withoutthe leader/signal sequence. The peptide may have the leader sequencesremoved during processing in the cell or the protein may have beenproduced synthetically or using a polynucleotide only encoding for themature protein coding sequence. It is contemplated that the matureprotein portion may or may not include an initial methionine residue.The initial methionine is often removed during processing of thepeptide.

The term “derivative” refers to polypeptides chemically modified by suchtechniques as ubiquitination, labeling (e.g., with radionuclides orvarious enzymes), covalent polymer attachment such as pegylation(derivatization with polyethylene glycol) and insertion or substitutionby chemical synthesis of amino acids such as ornithine, which do notnormally occur in human proteins.

The term “variant” (or “analog”) refers to any polypeptide differingfrom naturally occurring polypeptides by amino acid insertions,deletions, and substitutions, created using, e.g., recombinant DNAtechniques. Guidance in determining which amino acid residues may bereplaced, added or deleted without abolishing activities of interest,may be found by comparing the sequence of the particular polypeptidewith that of homologous peptides and minimizing the number of amino acidsequence changes made in regions of high homology (conserved regions) orby replacing amino acids with consensus sequence.

Alternatively, recombinant variants encoding these same or similarpolypeptides may be synthesized or selected by making use of the“redundancy” in the genetic code. Various codon substitutions, such asthe silent changes which produce various restriction sites, may beintroduced to optimize cloning into a plasmid or viral vector orexpression in a particular prokaryotic or eukaryotic system. Mutationsin the polynucleotide sequence may be reflected in the polypeptide ordomains of other peptides added to the polypeptide to modify theproperties of any part of the polypeptide, to change characteristicssuch as ligand-binding affinities, interchain affinities, ordegradation/turnover rate.

Preferably, amino acid “substitutions” are the result of replacing oneamino acid with another amino acid having similar structural and/orchemical properties, i.e., conservative amino acid replacements.“Conservative” amino acid substitutions may be made on the basis ofsimilarity in polarity, charge, solubility, hydrophobicity,hydrophilicity, and/or the amphipathic nature of the residues involved.For example, nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids include alanine,leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, andmethionine; polar neutral amino acids include glycine, serine,threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamine; positivelycharged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine, and histidine; andnegatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid andglutamic acid. “Insertions” or “deletions” are preferably in the rangeof about 1 to 20 amino acids, more preferably 1 to 10 amino acids. Thevariation allowed may be experimentally determined by systematicallymaking insertions, deletions, or substitutions of amino acids in apolypeptide molecule using recombinant DNA techniques and assaying theresulting recombinant variants for activity.

Alternatively, where alteration of function is desired, insertions,deletions or non-conservative alterations can be engineered to producealtered polypeptides. Such alterations can, for example, alter one ormore of the biological functions or biochemical characteristics of thepolypeptides of the invention. For example, such alterations may changepolypeptide characteristics such as ligand-binding affinities,interchain affinities, or degradation/turnover rate. Further, suchalterations can be selected so as to generate polypeptides that arebetter suited for expression, scale up and the like in the host cellschosen for expression. For example, cysteine residues can be deleted orsubstituted with another amino acid residue in order to eliminatedisulfide bridges.

The terms “purified” or “substantially purified” as used herein denotesthat the indicated nucleic acid or polypeptide is present in thesubstantial absence of other biological macromolecules, e.g.,polynucleotides, proteins, and the like. In one embodiment, thepolynucleotide or polypeptide is purified such that it constitutes atleast 95% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight, of theindicated biological macromolecules present (but water, buffers, andother small molecules, especially molecules having a molecular weight ofless than 1000 daltons, can be present).

The term “isolated” as used herein refers to a nucleic acid orpolypeptide separated from at least one other component (e.g., nucleicacid or polypeptide) present with the nucleic acid or polypeptide in itsnatural source. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid or polypeptide isfound in the presence of (if anything) only a solvent, buffer, ion, orother components normally present in a solution of the same. The terms“isolated” and “purified” do not encompass nucleic acids or polypeptidespresent in their natural source.

The term “recombinant,” when used herein to refer to a polypeptide orprotein, means that a polypeptide or protein is derived from recombinant(e.g., microbial, insect, or mammalian) expression systems. “Microbial”refers to recombinant polypeptides or proteins made in bacterial orfungal (e.g., yeast) expression systems. As a product, “recombinantmicrobial” defines a polypeptide or protein essentially free of nativeendogenous substances and unaccompanied by associated nativeglycosylation. Polypeptides or proteins expressed in most bacterialcultures, e.g., E. coli, will be free of glycosylation modifications;polypeptides or proteins expressed in yeast will have a glycosylationpattern in general different from those expressed in mammalian cells.

The term “recombinant expression vehicle or vector” refers to a plasmidor phage or virus or vector, for expressing a polypeptide from a DNA(RNA) sequence. An expression vehicle can comprise a transcriptionalunit comprising an assembly of (1) a genetic element or elements havinga regulatory role in gene expression, for example, promoters orenhancers, (2) a structural or coding sequence which is transcribed intomRNA and translated into protein, and (3) appropriate transcriptioninitiation and termination sequences. Structural units intended for usein yeast or eukaryotic expression systems preferably include a leadersequence enabling extracellular secretion of translated protein by ahost cell. Alternatively, where recombinant protein is expressed withouta leader or transport sequence, it may include an amino terminalmethionine residue. This residue may or may not be subsequently cleavedfrom the expressed recombinant protein to provide a final product.

The term “recombinant expression system” means host cells which havestably integrated a recombinant transcriptional unit into chromosomalDNA or carry the recombinant transcriptional unit extrachromosomally.Recombinant expression systems as defined herein will expressheterologous polypeptides or proteins upon induction of the regulatoryelements linked to the DNA segment or synthetic gene to be expressed.This term also means host cells which have stably integrated arecombinant genetic element or elements having a regulatory role in geneexpression, for example, promoters or enhancers. Recombinant expressionsystems as defined herein will express polypeptides or proteinsendogenous to the cell upon induction of the regulatory elements linkedto the endogenous DNA segment or gene to be expressed. The cells can beprokaryotic or eukaryotic.

The term “secreted” includes a protein that is transported across orthrough a membrane, including transport as a result of signal sequencesin its amino acid sequence when it is expressed in a suitable host cell.“Secreted” proteins include without limitation proteins secreted wholly(e.g., soluble proteins) or partially (e.g., receptors) from the cell inwhich they are expressed. “Secreted” proteins also include withoutlimitation proteins that are transported across the membrane of theendoplasmic reticulum. “Secreted” proteins are also intended to includeproteins containing non-typical signal sequences (e.g. Interleukin-1Beta, see Krasney, P. A. and Young, P. R. (1992) Cytokine 4(2):134-143)and factors released from damaged cells (e.g. Interleukin-1 ReceptorAntagonist, see Arend, W. P. et. al. (1998) Annu. Rev. Immunol.16:27-55)

Where desired, an expression vector may be designed to contain a “signalor leader sequence” which will direct the polypeptide through themembrane of a cell. Such a sequence may be naturally present on thepolypeptides of the present invention or provided from heterologousprotein sources by recombinant DNA techniques.

The term “stringent” is used to refer to conditions that are commonlyunderstood in the art as stringent. Stringent conditions can includehighly stringent conditions (i.e., hybridization to filter-bound DNA in0.5 M NaHPO₄, 7% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), 1 mM EDTA at 65° C., andwashing in 0.1×SSC/0.1% SDS at 68° C.), and moderately stringentconditions (i.e., washing in 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at 42° C.). Otherexemplary hybridization conditions are described herein in the examples.

In instances of hybridization of deoxyoligonucleotides, additionalexemplary stringent hybridization conditions include washing in6×SSC/0.05% sodium pyrophosphate at 37° C. (for 14-baseoligonucleotides), 48° C. (for 17-base oligonucleotides), 55° C. (for20-base oligonucleotides), and 60° C. (for 23-base oligonucleotides).

As used herein, “substantially equivalent” can refer both to nucleotideand amino acid sequences, for example a mutant sequence, that variesfrom a reference sequence by one or more substitutions, deletions, oradditions, the net effect of which does not result in an adversefunctional dissimilarity between the reference and subject sequences.Typically, such a substantially equivalent sequence varies from one ofthose listed herein by no more than about 35% (i.e., the number ofindividual residue substitutions, additions, and/or deletions in asubstantially equivalent sequence, as compared to the correspondingreference sequence, divided by the total number of residues in thesubstantially equivalent sequence is about 0.35 or less). Such asequence is said to have 65% sequence identity to the listed sequence.In one embodiment, a substantially equivalent, e.g., mutant, sequence ofthe invention varies from a listed sequence by no more than 30% (70%sequence identity); in a variation of this embodiment, by no more than25% (75% sequence identity); and in a further variation of thisembodiment, by no more than 20% (80% sequence identity) and in a furthervariation of this embodiment, by no more than 10% (90% sequenceidentity) and in a further variation of this embodiment, by no more that5% (95% sequence identity). Substantially equivalent, e.g., mutant,amino acid sequences according to the invention preferably have at least80% sequence identity with a listed amino acid sequence, more preferablyat least 90% sequence identity. Substantially equivalent nucleotidesequence of the invention can have lower percent sequence identities,taking into account, for example, the redundancy or degeneracy of thegenetic code. Preferably, nucleotide sequence has at least about 65%identity, more preferably at least about 75% identity, and mostpreferably at least about 95% identity. For the purposes of the presentinvention, sequences having substantially equivalent biological activityand substantially equivalent expression characteristics are consideredsubstantially equivalent. For the purposes of determining equivalence,truncation of the mature sequence (e.g., via a mutation which creates aspurious stop codon) should be disregarded. Sequence identity may bedetermined, e.g., using the Jotun Hein method (Hein, J. (1990) MethodsEnzymol. 183:626-645). Identity between sequences can also be determinedby other methods known in the art, e.g. by varying hybridizationconditions.

The term “totipotent” refers to the capability of a cell todifferentiate into all of the cell types of an adult organism.

The term “transformation” means introducing DNA into a suitable hostcell so that the DNA is replicable, either as an extrachromosomalelement, or by chromosomal integration. The term “transfection” refersto the taking up of an expression vector by a suitable host cell,whether or not any coding sequences are in fact expressed. The term“infection” refers to the introduction of nucleic acids into a suitablehost cell by use of a virus or viral vector.

As used herein, an “uptake modulating fragment,” UMF, means a series ofnucleotides which mediate the uptake of a linked DNA fragment into acell. UMFs can be readily identified using known UMFs as a targetsequence or target motif with the computer-based systems describedbelow. The presence and activity of a UMF can be confirmed by attachingthe suspected UMF to a marker sequence. The resulting nucleic acidmolecule is then incubated with an appropriate host under appropriateconditions and the uptake of the marker sequence is determined. Asdescribed above, a UMF will increase the frequency of uptake of a linkedmarker sequence.

Each of the above terms is meant to encompass all that is described foreach, unless the context dictates otherwise.

4.2 Nucleic Acids of the Invention

The invention is based on the discovery of a novel stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide, the polynucleotides encoding the stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide and the use of these compositions for thediagnosis, treatment or prevention of cancers and other immunologicaldisorders.

The isolated polynucleotides of the invention include, but are notlimited to a polynucleotide comprising any of the nucleotide sequencesof SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26; a fragment of SEQID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26; a polynucleotidecomprising the full length protein coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4,8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 (for example coding for SEQ ID NO: 3, 6,9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, or 27); and a polynucleotide comprising thenucleotide sequence encoding the mature protein coding sequence of thepolypeptides of any one of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21,or 27. The polynucleotides of the present invention also include, butare not limited to, a polynucleotide that hybridizes under stringentconditions to (a) the complement of any of the nucleotides sequences ofSEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26; (b) a polynucleotideencoding any one of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13,15, 18, 20-21, or 27; (c) a polynucleotide which is an allelic variantof any polynucleotides recited above; (d) a polynucleotide which encodesa species homolog of any of the proteins recited above; or (e) apolynucleotide that encodes a polypeptide comprising a specific domainor truncation of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15,18, 20-21, or 27. Domains of interest may depend on the nature of theencoded polypeptide; e.g., domains in receptor-like polypeptides includeligand-binding, extracellular, transmembrane, or cytoplasmic domains, orcombinations thereof; domains in immunoglobulin-like proteins includethe variable immunoglobulin-like domains; domains in enzyme-likepolypeptides include catalytic and substrate binding domains; anddomains in ligand polypeptides include receptor-binding domains.

The polynucleotides of the invention include naturally occurring orwholly or partially synthetic DNA, e.g., cDNA and genomic DNA, and RNA,e.g., mRNA. The polynucleotides may include all of the coding region ofthe cDNA or may represent a portion of the coding region of the cDNA.

The present invention also provides genes corresponding to the cDNAsequences disclosed herein. The corresponding genes can be isolated inaccordance with known methods using the sequence information disclosedherein. Such methods include the preparation of probes or primers fromthe disclosed sequence information for identification and/oramplification of genes in appropriate genomic libraries or other sourcesof genomic materials. Further 5′ and 3′ sequence can be obtained usingmethods known in the art. For example, full length cDNA or genomic DNAthat corresponds to any of the polynucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8,10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 can be obtained by screening appropriatecDNA or genomic DNA libraries under suitable hybridization conditionsusing any of the polynucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14,16-17, 19, or 26 or a portion thereof as a probe. Alternatively, thepolynucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26may be used as the basis for suitable primer(s) that allowidentification and/or amplification of genes in appropriate genomic DNAor cDNA libraries.

The nucleic acid sequences of the invention can be assembled from ESTsand sequences (including cDNA and genomic sequences) obtained from oneor more public databases, such as dbEST, gbpri, and UniGene. The ESTsequences can provide identifying sequence information, representativefragment or segment information, or novel segment information for thefull-length gene.

The polynucleotides of the invention also provide polynucleotidesincluding nucleotide sequences that are substantially equivalent to thepolynucleotides recited above. Polynucleotides according to theinvention can have, e.g., at least about 65%, at least about 70%, atleast about 75%, at least about 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%,88%, or 89%, more typically at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, or 94%and even more typically at least about 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%sequence identity to a polynucleotide recited above.

Included within the scope of the nucleic acid sequences of the inventionare nucleic acid sequence fragments that hybridize under stringentconditions to any of the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8,10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26, or complements thereof, which fragment isgreater than about 5 nucleotides, preferably 7 nucleotides, morepreferably greater than 9 nucleotides and most preferably greater than17 nucleotides. Fragments of, e.g. 15, 17, or 20 nucleotides or morethat are selective for (i.e. specifically hybridize to any one of thepolynucleotides of the invention) are contemplated. Probes capable ofspecifically hybridizing to a polynucleotide can differentiatepolynucleotide sequences of the invention from other polynucleotidesequences in the same family of genes or can differentiate human genesfrom genes of other species, and are preferably based on uniquenucleotide sequences.

The sequences falling within the scope of the present invention are notlimited to these specific sequences, but also include allelic andspecies variations thereof. Allelic and species variations can beroutinely determined by comparing the sequence provided in SEQ ID NO:1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26, a representative fragmentthereof, or a nucleotide sequence at least 90% identical, preferably 95%identical, to SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, or 26 with asequence from another isolate of the same species. Furthermore, toaccommodate codon variability, the invention includes nucleic acidmolecules coding for the same amino acid sequences as do the specificORFs disclosed herein. In other words, in the coding region of an ORF,substitution of one codon for another codon that encodes the same aminoacid is expressly contemplated.

The nearest neighbor result for the nucleic acids of the presentinvention can be obtained by searching a database using an algorithm ora program. Preferably, a BLAST which stands for Basic Local AlignmentSearch Tool is used to search for local sequence alignments (Altshul, S.F. J. Mol. Evol. 36 290-300 (1993) and Altschul S. F. et al. J. Mol.Biol. 21:403-410 (1990))

Species homologs (or orthologs) of the disclosed polynucleotides andproteins are also provided by the present invention. Species homologsmay be isolated and identified by making suitable probes or primers fromthe sequences provided herein and screening a suitable nucleic acidsource from the desired species.

The invention also encompasses allelic variants of the disclosedpolynucleotides or proteins; that is, naturally-occurring alternativeforms of the isolated polynucleotide which also encode proteins whichare identical, homologous or related to that encoded by thepolynucleotides.

The nucleic acid sequences of the invention are further directed tosequences which encode variants of the described nucleic acids. Theseamino acid sequence variants may be prepared by methods known in the artby introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into a native or variantpolynucleotide. There are two variables in the construction of aminoacid sequence variants: the location of the mutation and the nature ofthe mutation. Nucleic acids encoding the amino acid sequence variantsare preferably constructed by mutating the polynucleotide to encode anamino acid sequence that does not occur in nature. These nucleic acidalterations can be made at sites that differ in the nucleic acids fromdifferent species (variable positions) or in highly conserved regions(constant regions). Sites at such locations will typically be modifiedin series, e.g., by substituting first with conservative choices (e.g.,hydrophobic amino acid to a different hydrophobic amino acid) and thenwith more distant choices (e.g., hydrophobic amino acid to a chargedamino acid), and then deletions or insertions may be made at the targetsite. Amino acid sequence deletions generally range from about 1 to 30residues, preferably about 1 to 10 residues, and are typicallycontiguous. Amino acid insertions include amino- and/orcarboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one to one hundred ormore residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multipleamino acid residues. Intrasequence insertions may range generally fromabout 1 to 10 amino residues, preferably from 1 to 5 residues. Examplesof terminal insertions include the heterologous signal sequencesnecessary for secretion or for intracellular targeting in different hostcells and sequences such as FLAG or poly-histidine sequences useful forpurifying the expressed protein.

In a preferred method, polynucleotides encoding the novel amino acidsequences are changed via site-directed mutagenesis. This method usesoligonucleotide sequences to alter a polynucleotide to encode thedesired amino acid variant, as well as sufficient adjacent nucleotideson both sides of the changed amino acid to form a stable duplex oneither side of the site being changed. In general, the techniques ofsite-directed mutagenesis are well known to those of skill in the artand this technique is exemplified by publications such as, Edelman etal., DNA 2:183 (1983). A versatile and efficient method for producingsite-specific changes in a polynucleotide sequence was published byZoller and Smith, Nucleic Acids Res. 10:6487-6500 (1982). PCR may alsobe used to create amino acid sequence variants of the novel nucleicacids. When small amounts of template DNA are used as starting material,primer(s) that differs slightly in sequence from the correspondingregion in the template DNA can generate the desired amino acid variant.PCR amplification results in a population of product DNA fragments thatdiffer from the polynucleotide template encoding the polypeptide at theposition specified by the primer. The product DNA fragments replace thecorresponding region in the plasmid and this gives a polynucleotideencoding the desired amino acid variant.

A further technique for generating amino acid variants is the cassettemutagenesis technique described in Wells et al., Gene 34:315 (1985); andother mutagenesis techniques well known in the art, such as, forexample, the techniques in Sambrook et al., supra, and Current Protocolsin Molecular Biology, Ausubel et al. Due to the inherent degeneracy ofthe genetic code, other DNA sequences which encode substantially thesame or a functionally equivalent amino acid sequence may be used in thepractice of the invention for the cloning and expression of these novelnucleic acids. Such DNA sequences include those which are capable ofhybridizing to the appropriate novel nucleic acid sequence understringent conditions.

Polynucleotides encoding preferred polypeptide truncations of theinvention can be used to generate polynucleotides encoding chimeric orfusion proteins comprising one or more domains of the invention andheterologous protein sequences.

The polynucleotides of the invention additionally include the complementof any of the polynucleotides recited above. The polynucleotide can beDNA (genomic, cDNA, amplified, or synthetic) or RNA. Methods andalgorithms for obtaining such polynucleotides are well known to those ofskill in the art and can include, for example, methods for determininghybridization conditions that can routinely isolate polynucleotides ofthe desired sequence identities.

In accordance with the invention, polynucleotide sequences comprisingthe mature protein coding sequences, coding for any one of SEQ ID NO: 3,5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27; or functional equivalents thereof,may be used to generate recombinant DNA molecules that direct theexpression of that nucleic acid, or a functional equivalent thereof, inappropriate host cells. Also included are the cDNA inserts of any of theclones identified herein.

A polynucleotide according to the invention can be joined to any of avariety of other nucleotide sequences by well-established recombinantDNA techniques (see Sambrook J et al. (1989) Molecular Cloning: ALaboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY). Useful nucleotidesequences for joining to polynucleotides include an assortment ofvectors, e.g., plasmids, cosmids, lambda phage derivatives, phagemids,and the like, that are well known in the art. Accordingly, the inventionalso provides a vector including a polynucleotide of the invention and ahost cell containing the polynucleotide. In general, the vector containsan origin of replication functional in at least one organism, convenientrestriction endonuclease sites, and a selectable marker for the hostcell. Vectors according to the invention include expression vectors,replication vectors, probe generation vectors, and sequencing vectors. Ahost cell according to the invention can be a prokaryotic or eukaryoticcell and can be a unicellular organism or part of a multicellularorganism.

The present invention further provides recombinant constructs comprisinga nucleic acid having any of the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-2,4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 or a fragment thereof or any otherpolynucleotides of the invention. In one embodiment, the recombinantconstructs of the present invention comprise a vector, such as a plasmidor viral vector, into which a nucleic acid having any of the nucleotidesequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 or afragment thereof is inserted, in a forward or reverse orientation. Inthe case of a vector comprising one of the ORFs of the presentinvention, the vector may further comprise regulatory sequences,including for example, a promoter, operably linked to the ORF. Largenumbers of suitable vectors and promoters are known to those of skill inthe art and are commercially available for generating the recombinantconstructs of the present invention. The following vectors are providedby way of example. Bacterial: pBs, phagescript, PsiX174, pBluescript SK,pBs KS, pNH8a, pNH16a, pNH18a, pNH46a (Stratagene); pTrc99A, pKK223-3,pKK233-3, pDR540, pRIT5 (Pharmacia). Eukaryotic: pWLneo, pSV2cat, pOG44,PXTI, pSG (Stratagene) pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG, and pSVL (Pharmacia).

The isolated polynucleotide of the invention may be operably linked toan expression control sequence such as the pMT2 or pED expressionvectors disclosed in Kaufman et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 19, 4485-4490(1991), in order to produce the protein recombinantly. Many suitableexpression control sequences are known in the art. General methods ofexpressing recombinant proteins are also known and are exemplified in R.Kaufman, Methods in Enzymology 185, 537-566 (1990). As defined herein“operably linked” means that the isolated polynucleotide of theinvention and an expression control sequence are situated within avector or cell in such a way that the protein is expressed by a hostcell which has been transformed (transfected) with the ligatedpolynucleotide/expression control sequence.

Promoter regions can be selected from any desired gene using CAT(chloramphenicol transferase) vectors or other vectors with selectablemarkers. Two appropriate vectors are pKK232-8 and pCM7. Particular namedbacterial promoters include lac, lacZ, T3, T7, gpt, lambda PR, and trc.Eukaryotic promoters include CMV immediate early, HSV thymidine kinase,early and late SV40, LTRs from retrovirus, and mouse metallothionein-I.Selection of the appropriate vector and promoter is well within thelevel of ordinary skill in the art. Generally, recombinant expressionvectors will include origins of replication and selectable markerspermitting transformation of the host cell, e.g., the ampicillinresistance gene of E. coli and S. cerevisiae TRP1 gene, and a promoterderived from a highly expressed gene to direct transcription of adownstream structural sequence. Such promoters can be derived fromoperons encoding glycolytic enzymes such as 3-phosphoglycerate kinase(PGK), a-factor, acid phosphatase, or heat shock proteins, among others.The heterologous structural sequence is assembled in appropriate phasewith translation initiation and termination sequences, and preferably, aleader sequence capable of directing secretion of translated proteininto the periplasmic space or extracellular medium. Optionally, theheterologous sequence can encode a fusion protein including an aminoterminal identification peptide imparting desired characteristics, e.g.,stabilization or simplified purification of expressed recombinantproduct. Useful expression vectors for bacterial use are constructed byinserting a structural DNA sequence encoding a desired protein togetherwith suitable translation initiation and termination signals in operablereading phase with a functional promoter. The vector will comprise oneor more phenotypic selectable markers and an origin of replication toensure maintenance of the vector and to, if desirable, provideamplification within the host. Suitable prokaryotic hosts fortransformation include E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonellatyphimurium and various species within the genera Pseudomonas,Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus, although others may also be employedas a matter of choice.

As a representative but non-limiting example, useful expression vectorsfor bacterial use can comprise a selectable marker and bacterial originof replication derived from commercially available plasmids comprisinggenetic elements of the well known cloning vector pBR322 (ATCC 37017).Such commercial vectors include, for example, pKK223-3 (Pharmacia FineChemicals, Uppsala, Sweden) and GEM 1 (Promega Biotech, Madison, Wis.,USA). These pBR322 “backbone” sections are combined with an appropriatepromoter and the structural sequence to be expressed. Followingtransformation of a suitable host strain and growth of the host strainto an appropriate cell density, the selected promoter is induced orderepressed by appropriate means (e.g., temperature shift or chemicalinduction) and cells are cultured for an additional period. Cells aretypically harvested by centrifugation, disrupted by physical or chemicalmeans, and the resulting crude extract retained for furtherpurification.

Polynucleotides of the invention can also be used to induce immuneresponses. For example, as described in Fan et al., Nat. Biotech.17:870-872 (1999), incorporated herein by reference, nucleic acidsequences encoding a polypeptide may be used to generate antibodiesagainst the encoded polypeptide following topical administration ofnaked plasmid DNA or following injection, and preferably intramuscularinjection of the DNA. The nucleic acid sequences are preferably insertedin a recombinant expression vector and may be in the form of naked DNA.

4.2.1 Antisense Nucleic Acids

Another aspect of the invention pertains to isolated antisense nucleicacid molecules that can hybridize to, or are complementary to, thenucleic acid molecule comprising the stem cell growth factor-likenucleotide sequence, or fragments, analogs or derivatives thereof. An“antisense” nucleic acid comprises a nucleotide sequence that iscomplementary to a “sense” nucleic acid encoding a protein (e.g.,complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule orcomplementary to an mRNA sequence). In specific aspects, antisensenucleic acid molecules are provided that comprise a sequencecomplementary to at least about 10, 25, 50, 100, 250 or 500 nucleotidesor an entire stem cell growth factor-like coding strand, or to only aportion thereof. Nucleic acid molecules encoding fragments, homologs,derivatives and analogs of a stem cell growth factor-like or antisensenucleic acids complementary to a stem cell growth factor-like nucleicacid sequence of are additionally provided.

In one embodiment, an antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a“coding region” of the coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding astem cell growth factor-like protein. The term “coding region” refers tothe region of the nucleotide sequence comprising codons which aretranslated into amino acid residues. In another embodiment, theantisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a “conceding region” ofthe coding strand of a nucleotide sequence encoding the stem cell growthfactor-like protein. The term “conceding region” refers to 5′ and 3′sequences which flank the coding region that are not translated intoamino acids (i.e., also referred to as 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions).

Given the coding strand sequences encoding the stem cell growthfactor-like protein disclosed herein, antisense nucleic acids of theinvention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crick orHoogsteen base pairing. The antisense nucleic acid molecule can becomplementary to the entire coding region of stem cell growthfactor-like mRNA, but more preferably is an oligonucleotide that isantisense to only a portion of the coding or noncoding region of stemcell growth factor-like mRNA. For example, the antisense oligonucleotidecan be complementary to the region surrounding the translation startsite of stem cell growth factor-like mRNA. An antisense oligonucleotidecan be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50nucleotides in length. An antisense nucleic acid of the invention can beconstructed using chemical synthesis or enzymatic ligation reactionsusing procedures known in the art. For example, an antisense nucleicacid (e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide) can be chemically synthesizedusing naturally occurring nucleotides or variously modified nucleotidesdesigned to increase the biological stability of the molecules or toincrease the physical stability of the duplex formed between theantisense and sense nucleic acids (e.g., phosphorothioate derivativesand acridine substituted nucleotides can be used).

Examples of modified nucleotides that can be used to generate theantisense nucleic acid include: 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil,5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine,5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl)uracil,5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine,5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil,beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine,1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine,2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine,7-methylguanine, 5-methylaminomethyluracil,5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine,5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil,2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v),wybutoxosine, pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine,5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil,uracil-5-oxyacetic acid methylester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v),5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl)uracil, (acp3)w,and 2,6-diaminopurine. Alternatively, the antisense nucleic acid can beproduced biologically using an expression vector into which a nucleicacid has been subcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNAtranscribed from the inserted nucleic acid will be of an antisenseorientation to a target nucleic acid of interest, described further inthe following section).

The antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typicallyadministered to a subject or generated in situ such that they hybridizewith or bind to cellular mRNA and/or genomic DNA encoding a stem cellgrowth factor-like protein to thereby inhibit expression of the protein(e.g., by inhibiting transcription and/or translation). Thehybridization can be by conventional nucleotide complementarity to forma stable duplex, or, for example, in the case of an antisense nucleicacid molecule that binds to DNA duplexes, through specific interactionsin the major groove of the double helix. An example of a route ofadministration of antisense nucleic acid molecules of the inventionincludes direct injection at a tissue site. Alternatively, antisensenucleic acid molecules can be modified to target selected cells and thenadministered systemically. For example, for systemic administration,antisense molecules can be modified such that they specifically bind toreceptors or antigens expressed on a selected cell surface (e.g., bylinking the antisense nucleic acid molecules to peptides or antibodiesthat bind to cell surface receptors or antigens). The antisense nucleicacid molecules can also be delivered to cells using the vectorsdescribed herein. To achieve sufficient nucleic acid molecules, vectorconstructs in which the antisense nucleic acid molecule is placed underthe control of a strong pol II or pol III promoter are preferred.

In yet another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule of theinvention is an alpha-anomeric nucleic acid molecule. An alpha-anomericnucleic acid molecule forms specific double-stranded hybrids withcomplementary RNA in which, contrary to the usual alpha-units, thestrands run parallel to each other. See, e.g., Gaultier, et al., 1987.Nucl. Acids Res. 15: 6625-6641. The antisense nucleic acid molecule canalso comprise a 2′-o-methylribonucleotide (see, e.g., Inoue, et al.1987. Nucl. Acids Res. 15: 6131-6148) or a chimeric RNA-DNA analogue(see, e.g., Inoue, et al., 1987. FEBS Lett. 215: 327-330.

4.2.2 Ribozymes and PNA Moieties

Nucleic acid modifications include, by way of non-limiting example,modified bases, and nucleic acids whose sugar phosphate backbones aremodified or derivatized. These modifications are carried out at least inpart to enhance the chemical stability of the modified nucleic acid,such that they can be used, for example, as antisense binding nucleicacids in therapeutic applications in a subject.

In one embodiment, an antisense nucleic acid of the invention is aribozyme. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonucleaseactivity that are capable of cleaving a single-stranded nucleic acid,such as an mRNA, to which they have a complementary region. Thus,ribozymes (e.g., hammerhead ribozymes as described in Haselhoff andGerlach 1988. Nature 334: 585-591) can be used to catalytically cleavestem cell growth factor-like mRNA transcripts to thereby inhibittranslation of stem cell growth factor-like mRNA. A ribozyme havingspecificity for a stem cell growth factor-like-encoding nucleic acid canbe designed based upon the nucleotide sequence of a stem cell growthfactor-like cDNA disclosed herein. For example, a derivative of aTetrahymena L-19 IVS RNA can be constructed in which the nucleotidesequence of the active site is complementary to the nucleotide sequenceto be cleaved in a stem cell growth factor-like-encoding mRNA. See,e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,071 to Cech, et al. and U.S. Pat. No.5,116,742 to Cech, et al. Stem cell growth factor-like mRNA can also beused to select a catalytic RNA having a specific ribonuclease activityfrom a pool of RNA molecules. See, e.g., Bartel et al., (1993) Science261:1411-1418.

Alternatively, stem cell growth factor-like gene expression can beinhibited by targeting nucleotide sequences complementary to theregulatory region of the stem cell growth factor-like nucleic acid(e.g., the stem cell growth factor-like promoter and/or enhancers) toform triple helical structures that prevent transcription of the stemcell growth factor-like gene in target cells. See, e.g., Helene, 1991.Anticancer Drug Des. 6: 569-84; Helene, et al. 1992. Ann. N.Y. Acad.Sci. 660: 27-36; Maher, 1992. Bioassays 14: 807-15.

In various embodiments, the stem cell growth factor-like nucleic acidscan be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety or phosphate backboneto improve, e.g., the stability, hybridization, or solubility of themolecule. For example, the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of the nucleicacids can be modified to generate peptide nucleic acids. See, e.g.,Hyrup, et al., 1996. Bioorg Med Chem 4: 5-23. As used herein, the terms“peptide nucleic acids” or “PNAs” refer to nucleic acid mimics (e.g.,DNA mimics) in which the deoxyribose phosphate backbone is replaced by apseudopeptide backbone and only the four natural nucleobases areretained. The neutral backbone of PNAs has been shown to allow forspecific hybridization to DNA and RNA under conditions of low ionicstrength. The synthesis of PNA oligomers can be performed using standardsolid phase peptide synthesis protocols as described in Hyrup, et al.,1996. supra; Perry-O'Keefe, et al., 1996. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:14670-14675.

PNAs of stem cell growth factor-like can be used in therapeutic anddiagnostic applications. For example, PNAs can be used as antisense orantigene agents for sequence-specific modulation of gene expression by,e.g., inducing transcription or translation arrest or inhibitingreplication. PNAs of stem cell growth factor-like can also be used, forexample, in the analysis of single base pair mutations in a gene (e.g.,PNA directed PCR clamping; as artificial restriction enzymes when usedin combination with other enzymes, e.g., S1 nucleases (see, Hyrup, etal., 1996. supra); or as probes or primers for DNA sequence andhybridization (see, Hyrup, et al., 1996, supra; Perry-O'Keefe, et al.,1996. supra).

In another embodiment, PNAs of stem cell growth factor-like can bemodified, e.g., to enhance their stability or cellular uptake, byattaching lipophilic or other helper groups to PNA, by the formation ofPNA-DNA chimeras, or by the use of liposomes or other techniques of drugdelivery known in the art. For example, PNA-DNA chimeras of stem cellgrowth factor-like can be generated that may combine the advantageousproperties of PNA and DNA. Such chimeras allow DNA recognition enzymes(e.g., RNase H and DNA polymerases) to interact with the DNA portionwhile the PNA portion would provide high binding affinity andspecificity. PNA-DNA chimeras can be linked using linkers of appropriatelengths selected in terms of base stacking, number of bonds between thenucleobases, and orientation (see, Hyrup, et al., 1996. supra). Thesynthesis of PNA-DNA chimeras can be performed as described in Hyrup, etal., 1996. Supra, et al., 1996. Nucl Acids Res 24: 3357-3363. Forexample, a DNA chain can be synthesized on a solid support usingstandard phosphoramidite coupling chemistry, and modified nucleosideanalogs, e.g., 5′-(4-methoxytrityl)amino-5′-deoxy-thymidinephosphoramidite, can be used between the PNA and the 5′ end of DNA. See,e.g., Mag, et al., 1989. Nucl Acid Res 17: 5973-5988. PNA monomers arethen coupled in a stepwise manner to produce a chimeric molecule with a5′ PNA segment and a 3′ DNA segment. See, e.g., Finn, et al., 1996.supra. Alternatively, chimeric molecules can be synthesized with a 5′DNA segment and a 3′ PNA segment. See, e.g., Petersen, et al., 1975.Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 5: 1119-11124.

In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide may include other appendedgroups such as peptides (e.g., for targeting host cell receptors invivo), or agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane (see,e.g., Letsinger, et al., 1989. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 86:6553-6556; Lemaitre, et al., 1987. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 84: 648-652;PCT Publication No. WO88/09810) or the blood-brain barrier (see, e.g.,PCT Publication No. WO 89/10134). In addition, oligonucleotides can bemodified with hybridization-triggered cleavage agents (see, e.g., Krol,et al., 1988. BioTechniques 6:958-976) or intercalating agents (see,e.g., Zon, 1988. Pharm. Res. 5: 539-549). To this end, theoligonucleotide can be conjugated to another molecule, e.g., a peptide,a hybridization triggered cross-linking agent, a transport agent, ahybridization-triggered cleavage agent, and the like.

4.3 Hosts

The present invention further provides host cells genetically engineeredto contain the polynucleotides of the invention. For example, such hostcells may contain nucleic acids of the invention introduced into thehost cell using known transformation, transfection or infection methods.The present invention still further provides host cells geneticallyengineered to express the polynucleotides of the invention, wherein suchpolynucleotides are in operative association with a regulatory sequenceheterologous to the host cell which drives expression of thepolynucleotides in the cell.

The host cell can be a higher eukaryotic host cell, such as a mammaliancell, a lower eukaryotic host cell, such as a yeast cell, or the hostcell can be a prokaryotic cell, such as a bacterial cell. Introductionof the recombinant construct into the host cell can be effected bycalcium phosphate transfection, DEAE, dextran mediated transfection, orelectroporation (Davis, L. et al., Basic Methods in Molecular Biology(1986)). The host cells containing one of polynucleotides of theinvention, can be used in conventional manners to produce the geneproduct encoded by the isolated fragment (in the case of an ORF) or canbe used to produce a heterologous protein under the control of the EMF.

Any host/vector system can be used to express one or more of the ORFs ofthe present invention. These include, but are not limited to, eukaryotichosts such as HeLa cells, Cv-1 cell, COS cells, and Sf9 cells, as wellas prokaryotic host such as E. coli and B. subtilis. The most preferredcells are those which do not normally express the particular polypeptideor protein or which expresses the polypeptide or protein at low naturallevel. Mature proteins can be expressed in mammalian cells, yeast,bacteria, or other cells under the control of appropriate promoters.Cell-free translation systems can also be employed to produce suchproteins using RNAs derived from the DNA constructs of the presentinvention. Appropriate cloning and expression vectors for use withprokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts are described by Sambrook, et al., inMolecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Second Edition, Cold SpringHarbor, N.Y. (1989), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference.

Various mammalian cell culture systems can also be employed to expressrecombinant protein. Examples of mammalian expression systems includethe COS-7 lines of monkey kidney fibroblasts, described by Gluzinan,Cell 23:175 (1981), and other cell lines capable of expressing acompatible vector, for example, the C127, 3T3, CHO, HeLa and BHK celltines. Mammalian expression vectors will comprise an origin ofreplication, a suitable promoter, and also any necessary ribosomebinding sites, polyadenylation site, splice donor and acceptor sites,transcriptional termination sequences, and 5′ flanking nontranscribedsequences. DNA sequences derived from the SV40 viral genome, forexample, SV40 origin, early promoter, enhancer, splice, andpolyadenylation sites may be used to provide the required nontranscribedgenetic elements. Recombinant polypeptides and proteins produced inbacterial culture are usually isolated by initial extraction from cellpellets, followed by one or more salting-out, aqueous ion exchange orsize exclusion chromatography steps. Protein refolding steps can beused, as necessary, in completing configuration of the mature protein.Finally, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can be employedfor final purification steps. Microbial cells employed in expression ofproteins can be disrupted by any convenient method, includingfreeze-thaw cycling, sonication, mechanical disruption, or use of celllysing agents.

A number of types of cells may act as suitable host cells for expressionof the protein. Mammalian host cells include, for example, monkey COScells, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, human kidney 293 cells, humanepidermal A431 cells, human Colo205 cells, 3T3 cells, CV-1 cells, othertransformed primate cell lines, normal diploid cells, cell strainsderived from in vitro culture of primary tissue, primary explants, HeLacells, mouse L cells, BHK, HL-60, U937, HaK or Jurkat cells.

Alternatively, it may be possible to produce the protein in lowereukaryotes such as yeast or in prokaryotes such as bacteria. Potentiallysuitable yeast strains include Saccharomyces cerevisiae,Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Kluyveromyces strains, Candida, or any yeaststrain capable of expressing heterologous proteins. Potentially suitablebacterial strains include Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis,Salmonella typhimurium, or any bacterial strain capable of expressingheterologous proteins. If the protein is made in yeast or bacteria, itmay be necessary to modify the protein produced therein, for example byphosphorylation or glycosylation of the appropriate sites, in order toobtain the functional protein. Such covalent attachments may beaccomplished using known chemical or enzymatic methods.

In another embodiment of the present invention, cells and tissues may beengineered to express an endogenous gene comprising the polynucleotidesof the invention under the control of inducible regulatory elements, inwhich case the regulatory sequences of the endogenous gene may bereplaced by homologous recombination. As described herein, genetargeting can be used to replace a gene's existing regulatory regionwith a regulatory sequence isolated from a different gene or a novelregulatory sequence synthesized by genetic engineering methods. Suchregulatory sequences may be comprised of promoters, enhancers,scaffold-attachment regions, negative regulatory elements,transcriptional initiation sites, regulatory protein binding sites orcombinations of said sequences. Alternatively, sequences which affectthe structure or stability of the RNA or protein produced may bereplaced, removed, added, or otherwise modified by targeting, includingpolyadenylation signals, mRNA stability elements, splice sites, leadersequences for enhancing or modifying transport or secretion propertiesof the protein, or other sequences which alter or improve the functionor stability of protein or RNA molecules.

The targeting event may be a simple insertion of the regulatorysequence, placing the gene under the control of the new regulatorysequence, e.g., inserting a new promoter or enhancer or both upstream ofa gene. Alternatively, the targeting event may be a simple deletion of aregulatory element, such as the deletion of a tissue-specific negativeregulatory element. Alternatively, the targeting event may replace anexisting element; for example, a tissue-specific enhancer can bereplaced by an enhancer that has broader or different cell-typespecificity than the naturally occurring elements. Here, the naturallyoccurring sequences are deleted and new sequences are added. In allcases, the identification of the targeting event may be facilitated bythe use of one or more selectable marker genes that are contiguous withthe targeting DNA, allowing for the selection of cells in which theexogenous DNA has integrated into the host cell genome. Theidentification of the targeting event may also be facilitated by the useof one or more marker genes exhibiting the property of negativeselection, such that the negatively selectable marker is linked to theexogenous DNA, but configured such that the negatively selectable markerflanks the targeting sequence, and such that a correct homologousrecombination event with sequences in the host cell genome does notresult in the stable integration of the negatively selectable marker.Markers useful for this purpose include the Herpes Simplex Virusthymidine kinase (TK) gene or the bacterial xanthine-guaninephosphoribosyl-transferase (gpt) gene.

The gene targeting or gene activation techniques which can be used inaccordance with this aspect of the invention are more particularlydescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,071 to Chappel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,461to Sherwin et al.; International Application No. PCT/US92/09627(WO93/09222) by Selden et al.; and International Application No.PCT/US90/06436 (WO91/06667) by Skoultchi et al., each of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

4.3.1 Chimeric and Fusion Proteins

The invention also provides stem cell growth factor-like chimeric orfusion proteins. As used herein, a stem cell growth factor-like“chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” comprises a stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide operatively-linked to a non-stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide. A “stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide”refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to astem cell growth factor-like protein, whereas a “non-stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acidsequence corresponding to a protein that is not substantially homologousto the stem cell growth factor-like protein, e.g., a protein that isdifferent from the stem cell growth factor-like protein and that isderived from the same or a different organism. Within a stem cell growthfactor-like fusion protein the stem cell growth factor-like polypeptidecan correspond to all or a portion of a stem cell growth factor-likeprotein. In one embodiment, a stem cell growth factor-like fusionprotein comprises at least one biologically active portion of a stemcell growth factor-like protein. In another embodiment, a stem cellgrowth factor-like fusion protein comprises at least two biologicallyactive portions of a stem cell growth factor-like protein. In yetanother embodiment, a stem cell growth factor-like fusion proteincomprises at least three biologically active portions of a stem cellgrowth factor-like protein. Within the fusion protein, the term“operatively-linked” is intended to indicate that the stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide and the non-stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide are fused in-frame with one another. The non-stem cellgrowth factor-like polypeptide can be fused to the N-terminus orC-terminus of the stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the fusion protein is a GST-stem cell growthfactor-like fusion protein in which the stem cell growth factor-likesequences are fused to the C-terminus of the GST (glutathioneS-transferase) sequences. Such fusion proteins can facilitate thepurification of recombinant stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides.In another embodiment, the fusion protein is a stem cell growthfactor-like protein containing a heterologous signal sequence at itsN-terminus. In certain host cells (e.g., mammalian host cells),expression and/or secretion of stem cell growth factor-like can beincreased through use of a heterologous signal sequence.

In yet another embodiment, the fusion protein is a stem cell growthfactor-like-immunoglobulin fusion protein in which the stem cell growthfactor-like sequences are fused to sequences derived from a member ofthe immunoglobulin protein family. The stem cell growthfactor-like-immunoglobulin fusion proteins of the invention can beincorporated into pharmaceutical compositions and administered to asubject to inhibit an interaction between a stem cell growth factor-likeligand and a stem cell growth factor-like protein on the surface of acell, to thereby suppress stem cell growth factor-like-mediated signaltransduction in vivo. The stem cell growth factor-like-immunoglobulinfusion proteins can be used to affect the bioavailability of a stem cellgrowth factor-like cognate ligand. Inhibition of the stem cell growthfactor-like ligand/stem cell growth factor-like interaction can beuseful therapeutically for both the treatment of proliferative anddifferentiative disorders, as well as modulating (e.g. promoting orinhibiting) cell survival. Moreover, the stem cell growthfactor-like-immunoglobulin fusion proteins of the invention can be usedas immunogens to produce anti-stem cell growth factor-like antibodies ina subject, to purify stem cell growth factor-like ligands, and inscreening assays to identify molecules that inhibit the interaction ofstem cell growth factor-like with a stem cell growth factor-like ligand.

A stem cell growth factor-like chimeric or fusion protein of theinvention can be produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques. Forexample, DNA fragments coding for the different polypeptide sequencesare ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventionaltechniques, e.g., by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini forligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriatetermini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkalinephosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymaticligation. In another embodiment, the fusion gene can be synthesized byconventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers.Alternatively, PCR amplification of gene fragments can be carried outusing anchor primers that give rise to complementary overhangs betweentwo consecutive gene fragments that can subsequently be annealed andreamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence (see, e.g., Ausubel, etal. (eds.) CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, John Wiley & Sons,1992). Moreover, many expression vectors are commercially available thatalready encode a fusion moiety (e.g., a GST polypeptide). A stem cellgrowth factor-like-encoding nucleic acid can be cloned into such anexpression vector such that the fusion moiety is linked in-frame to thestem cell growth factor-like protein.

4.4 Polypeptides of the Invention

The isolated polypeptides of the invention include, but are not limitedto, a polypeptide comprising: the amino acid sequence set forth as anyone of SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27 or an aminoacid sequence encoded by any one of the nucleotide sequences SEQ ID NO:1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 or the corresponding full lengthor mature protein. Polypeptides of the invention also includepolypeptides preferably with biological or immunological activity thatare encoded by: (a) a polynucleotide having any one of the nucleotidesequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or26 or (b) polynucleotides encoding any one of the amino acid sequencesset forth as SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27 or (c)polynucleotides that hybridize to the complement of the polynucleotidesof either (a) or (b) under stringent hybridization conditions. Theinvention also provides biologically active or immunologically activevariants of any of the amino acid sequences set forth as SEQ ID NO: 3,5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27 or the corresponding full length ormature protein; and “substantial equivalents” thereof (e.g., with atleast about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, or 89%, more typically atleast about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, or 94% and even more typically at leastabout 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%, most typically at least about 99% aminoacid identity) that retain biological activity. Polypeptides encoded byallelic variants may have a similar, increased, or decreased activitycompared to polypeptides comprising SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11, 13, 15,18, 20-21, or 27.

Fragments of the proteins of the present invention which are capable ofexhibiting biological activity are also encompassed by the presentinvention. Fragments of the protein may be in linear form or they may becyclized using known methods, for example, as described in H. U.Saragovi, et al., Bio/Technology 10, 773-778 (1992) and in R. S.McDowell, et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 114, 9245-9253 (1992), both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. Such fragments may be fusedto carrier molecules such as immunoglobulins for many purposes,including increasing the valency of protein binding sites.

The present invention also provides both full-length and mature forms(for example, without a signal sequence or precursor sequence) of thedisclosed proteins. The protein coding sequence is identified in thesequence listing by translation of the disclosed nucleotide sequences.The mature form of such protein may be obtained by expression of afull-length polynucleotide in a suitable mammalian cell or other hostcell. The sequence of the mature form of the protein is alsodeterminable from the amino acid sequence of the full-length form. Whereproteins of the present invention are membrane bound, soluble forms ofthe proteins are also provided. In such forms, part or all of theregions causing the proteins to be membrane bound are deleted so thatthe proteins are fully secreted from the cell in which it is expressed.

Protein compositions of the present invention may further comprise anacceptable carrier, such as a hydrophilic, e.g., pharmaceuticallyacceptable, carrier.

The present invention further provides isolated polypeptides encoded bythe nucleic acid fragments of the present invention or by degeneratevariants of the nucleic acid fragments of the present invention. By“degenerate variant” is intended nucleotide fragments which differ froma nucleic acid fragment of the present invention (e.g., an ORF) bynucleotide sequence but, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code,encode an identical polypeptide sequence. Preferred nucleic acidfragments of the present invention are the ORFs that encode proteins.

A variety of methodologies known in the art can be utilized to obtainany one of the isolated polypeptides or proteins of the presentinvention. At the simplest level, the amino acid sequence can besynthesized using commercially available peptide synthesizers. Thesynthetically-constructed protein sequences, by virtue of sharingprimary, secondary or tertiary structural and/or conformationalcharacteristics with proteins may possess biological properties incommon therewith, including protein activity. This technique isparticularly useful in producing small peptides and fragments of largerpolypeptides. Fragments are useful, for example, in generatingantibodies against the native polypeptide. Thus, they may be employed asbiologically active or immunological substitutes for natural, purifiedproteins in screening of therapeutic compounds and in immunologicalprocesses for the development of antibodies.

The polypeptides and proteins of the present invention can alternativelybe purified from cells which have been altered to express the desiredpolypeptide or protein. As used herein, a cell is said to be altered toexpress a desired polypeptide or protein when the cell, through geneticmanipulation, is made to produce a polypeptide or protein which itnormally does not produce or which the cell normally produces at a lowerlevel. One skilled in the art can readily adapt procedures forintroducing and expressing either recombinant or synthetic sequencesinto eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells in order to generate a cell whichproduces one of the polypeptides or proteins of the present invention.

The invention also relates to methods for producing a polypeptidecomprising growing a culture of host cells of the invention in asuitable culture medium, and purifying the protein from the cells or theculture in which the cells are grown. For example, the methods of theinvention include a process for producing a polypeptide in which a hostcell containing a suitable expression vector that includes apolynucleotide of the invention is cultured under conditions that allowexpression of the encoded polypeptide. The polypeptide can be recoveredfrom the culture, conveniently from the culture medium, or from a lysateprepared from the host cells and further purified. Preferred embodimentsinclude those in which the protein produced by such process is a fulllength or mature form of the protein.

In an alternative method, the polypeptide or protein is purified frombacterial cells which naturally produce the polypeptide or protein. Oneskilled in the art can readily follow known methods for isolatingpolypeptides and proteins in order to obtain one of the isolatedpolypeptides or proteins of the present invention. These include, butare not limited to, immunochromatography, HPLC, size-exclusionchromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and immuno-affinitychromatography. See, e.g., Scopes, Protein Purification: Principles andPractice, Springer-Verlag (1994); Sambrook, et al., in MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual; Ausubel et al., Current Protocols inMolecular Biology. Polypeptide fragments that retainbiological/immunological activity include fragments comprising greaterthan about 100 amino acids, or greater than about 200 amino acids, andfragments that encode specific protein domains.

The purified polypeptides can be used in in vitro binding assays whichare well known in the art to identify molecules which bind to thepolypeptides. These molecules include but are not limited to, for e.g.,small molecules, molecules from combinatorial libraries, antibodies orother proteins. The molecules identified in the binding assay are thentested for antagonist or agonist activity in in vivo tissue culture oranimal models that are well known in the art. In brief, the moleculesare titrated into a plurality of cell cultures or animals and thentested for either cell/animal death or prolonged survival of theanimal/cells.

In addition, the peptides of the invention or molecules capable ofbinding to the peptides may be complexed with toxins, e.g., ricin orcholera, or with other compounds that are toxic to cells. Thetoxin-binding molecule complex is then targeted to a tumor or other cellby the specificity of the binding molecule for SEQ ID NO: 3, 5-7, 9, 11,13, 15, 18, 20-21, or 27.

The protein of the invention may also be expressed as a product oftransgenic animals, e.g., as a component of the milk of transgenic cows,goats, pigs, or sheep which are characterized by somatic or germ cellscontaining a nucleotide sequence encoding the protein.

The proteins provided herein also include proteins characterized byamino acid sequences similar to those of purified proteins but intowhich modification are naturally provided or deliberately engineered.For example, modifications, in the peptide or DNA sequence, can be madeby those skilled in the art using known techniques. Modifications ofinterest in the protein sequences may include the alteration,substitution, replacement, insertion or deletion of a selected aminoacid residue in the coding sequence. For example, one or more of thecysteine residues may be deleted or replaced with another amino acid toalter the conformation of the molecule. Techniques for such alteration,substitution, replacement, insertion or deletion are well known to thoseskilled in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,584). Preferably,such alteration, substitution, replacement, insertion or deletionretains the desired activity of the protein. Regions of the protein thatare important for the protein function can be determined by variousmethods known in the art including the alanine-scanning method whichinvolved systematic substitution of single or strings of amino acidswith alanine, followed by testing the resulting alanine-containingvariant for biological activity. This type of analysis determines theimportance of the substituted amino acid(s) in biological activity.Regions of the protein that are important for protein function may bedetermined by the eMATRIX program.

Other fragments and derivatives of the sequences of proteins which wouldbe expected to retain protein activity in whole or in part and areuseful for screening or other immunological methodologies may also beeasily made by those skilled in the art given the disclosures herein.Such modifications are encompassed by the present invention.

The protein may also be produced by operably linking the isolatedpolynucleotide of the invention to suitable control sequences in one ormore insect expression vectors, and employing an insect expressionsystem. Materials and methods for baculovirus/insect cell expressionsystems are commercially available in kit form from, e.g., Invitrogen,San Diego, Calif., U.S.A. (the MaxBat™ kit), and such methods are wellknown in the art, as described in Summers and Smith, Texas AgriculturalExperiment Station Bulletin No. 1555 (1987), incorporated herein byreference. As used herein, an insect cell capable of expressing apolynucleotide of the present invention is “transformed.”

The protein of the invention may be prepared by culturing transformedhost cells under culture conditions suitable to express the recombinantprotein. The resulting expressed protein may then be purified from suchculture (i.e., from culture medium or cell extracts) using knownpurification processes, such as gel filtration and ion exchangechromatography. The purification of the protein may also include anaffinity column containing agents which will bind to the protein; one ormore column steps over such affinity resins as concanavalin A-agarose,Heparin-Toyopearl™ or Cibacrom blue 3GA Sepharose™; one or more stepsinvolving hydrophobic interaction chromatography using such resins asphenyl ether, butyl ether, or propyl ether, or immunoaffinitychromatography.

Alternatively, the protein of the invention may also be expressed in aform which will facilitate purification. For example, it may beexpressed as a fusion protein, such as those of maltose binding protein(MBP), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) or thioredoxin (TRX), or as a Histag. Kits for expression and purification of such fusion proteins arecommercially available from New England BioLab (Beverly, Mass.),Pharmacia (Piscataway, N.J.) and Invitrogen, respectively. The proteincan also be tagged with an epitope and subsequently purified by using aspecific antibody directed to such epitope. One such epitope (“FLAG®”)is commercially available from Kodak (New Haven, Conn.).

Finally, one or more reverse-phase high performance liquidchromatography (RP-HPLC) steps employing hydrophobic RP-HPLC media,e.g., silica gel having pendant methyl or other aliphatic groups, can beemployed to further purify the protein. Some or all of the foregoingpurification steps, in various combinations, can also be employed toprovide a substantially homogeneous isolated recombinant protein. Theprotein thus purified is substantially free of other mammalian proteinsand is defined in accordance with the present invention as an “isolatedprotein.”

The polypeptides of the invention include analogs (variants). Thepolypeptides of the invention include stem cell growth factor-likeanalogs. This embraces fragments of stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide of the invention, as well stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptides which comprise one or more amino acids deleted, inserted,or substituted. Also, analogs of the stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide of the invention embrace fusions of the stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptides or modifications of the stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptides, wherein the stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide or analog is fused to another moiety or moieties, e.g.,targeting moiety or another therapeutic agent. Such analogs may exhibitimproved properties such as activity and/or stability. Examples ofmoieties which may be fused to the stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide or an analog include, for example, targeting moieties whichprovide for the delivery of polypeptide to neurons, e.g., antibodies tocentral nervous system, or antibodies to receptor and ligands expressedon neuronal cells. Other moieties which may be fused to stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide include therapeutic agents which are used fortreatment, for example anti-depressant drugs or other medications forneurological disorders. Also, stem cell growth factor-like polypeptidesmay be fused to neuron growth modulators, and other chemokines fortargeted delivery.

4.4.1 Determining Polypeptide and Polynucleotide Identity and Similarity

Preferred identity and/or similarity are designed to give the largestmatch between the sequences tested. Methods to determine identity andsimilarity are codified in computer programs including, but are notlimited to, the GCG program package, including GAP (Devereux, J., etal., Nucleic Acids Research 12(1):387 (1984); Genetics Computer Group,University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.), BLASTP, BLASTN, BLASIX, FASTA(Altschul, S. F. et al., J. Molec. Biol. 215:403-410 (1990), PSI-BLAST(Altschul S. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. vol. 25, pp. 3389-3402, hereinincorporated by reference), the eMatrix software (Wu et al., J. Comp.Biol., vol. 6, pp. 219-235 (1999), herein incorporated by reference),eMotif software (Nevill-Manning et al, ISMB-97, vol 4, pp. 202-209,herein incorporated by reference), the GeneAtlas software (MolecularSimulations Inc. (MSI), San Diego, Calif.) (Sanchez and Sali (1998)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 95, 13597-13602; Kitson D H et al, (2000)“Remote homology detection using structural modeling—an evaluation”Submitted; Fischer and Eisenberg (1996) Protein Sci. 5, 947-955), andthe Kyte-Doolittle hydrophobocity prediction algorithm (J. Mol. Biol,157, pp. 105-31 (1982), incorporated herein by reference). The BLASTprograms are publicly available from the National Center forBiotechnology Information (NCBI) and other sources (BLAST Manual,Altschul, S., et al. NCB NLM NIH Bethesda, Md. 20894; Altschul, S., etal., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410 (1990).

4.5 Gene Therapy

Mutations in the polynucleotides of the invention gene may result inloss of normal function of the encoded protein. The invention thusprovides gene therapy to restore normal activity of the polypeptides ofthe invention; or to treat disease states involving polypeptides of theinvention. Delivery of a functional gene encoding polypeptides of theinvention to appropriate cells is effected ex vivo, in situ, or in vivoby use of vectors, and more particularly viral vectors (e.g.,adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, or a retrovirus), or ex vivo by useof physical DNA transfer methods (e.g., liposomes or chemicaltreatments). See, for example, Anderson, Nature, supplement to vol. 392,no. 6679, pp. 25-20 (1998). For additional reviews of gene therapytechnology see Friedmann, Science, 244: 1275-1281 (1989); Verma,Scientific American: 68-84 (1990); and Miller, Nature, 357: 455-460(1992). Introduction of any one of the nucleotides of the presentinvention or a gene encoding the polypeptides of the present inventioncan also be accomplished with extrachromosomal substrates (transientexpression) or artificial chromosomes (stable expression). Cells mayalso be cultured ex vivo in the presence of proteins of the presentinvention in order to proliferate or to produce a desired effect on oractivity in such cells. Treated cells can then be introduced in vivo fortherapeutic purposes. Alternatively, it is contemplated that in otherhuman disease states, preventing the expression of or inhibiting theactivity of polypeptides of the invention will be useful in treating thedisease states. It is contemplated that antisense therapy or genetherapy could be applied to negatively regulate the expression ofpolypeptides of the invention.

Other methods inhibiting expression of a protein include theintroduction of antisense molecules to the nucleic acids of the presentinvention, their complements, or their translated RNA sequences, bymethods known in the art. Further, the polypeptides of the presentinvention can be inhibited by using targeted deletion methods, or theinsertion of a negative regulatory element such as a silencer, which istissue specific.

The present invention still further provides cells geneticallyengineered in vivo to express the polynucleotides of the invention,wherein such polynucleotides are in operative association with aregulatory sequence heterologous to the host cell which drivesexpression of the polynucleotides in the cell. These methods can be usedto increase or decrease the expression of the polynucleotides of thepresent invention.

Knowledge of DNA sequences provided by the invention allows formodification of cells to permit, increase, or decrease, expression ofendogenous polypeptide. Cells can be modified (e.g., by homologousrecombination) to provide increased polypeptide expression by replacing,in whole or in part, the naturally occurring promoter with all or partof a heterologous promoter so that the cells express the protein athigher levels. The heterologous promoter is inserted in such a mannerthat it is operatively linked to the desired protein encoding sequences.See, for example, PCr International Publication No. WO 94/12650, PCTInternational Publication No. WO 92/20808, and PCT InternationalPublication No. WO 91/09955. It is also contemplated that, in additionto heterologous promoter DNA, amplifiable marker DNA (e.g., ada, dhfr,and the multifunctional CAD gene which encodes carbamyl phosphatesynthase, aspartate transcarbamylase, and dihydroorotase) and/or intronDNA may be inserted along with the heterologous promoter DNA. If linkedto the desired protein coding sequence, amplification of the marker DNAby standard selection methods results in co-amplification of the desiredprotein coding sequences in the cells.

In another embodiment of the present invention, cells and tissues may beengineered to express an endogenous gene comprising the polynucleotidesof the invention under the control of inducible regulatory elements, inwhich case the regulatory sequences of the endogenous gene may bereplaced by homologous recombination. As described herein, genetargeting can be used to replace a gene's existing regulatory regionwith a regulatory sequence isolated from a different gene or a novelregulatory sequence synthesized by genetic engineering methods. Suchregulatory sequences may be comprised of promoters, enhancers,scaffold-attachment regions, negative regulatory elements,transcriptional initiation sites, regulatory protein binding sites orcombinations of said sequences. Alternatively, sequences which affectthe structure or stability of the RNA or protein produced may bereplaced, removed, added, or otherwise modified by targeting. Thesesequences include polyadenylation signals, mRNA stability elements,splice sites, leader sequences for enhancing or modifying transport orsecretion properties of the protein, or other sequences which alter orimprove the function or stability of protein or RNA molecules.

The targeting event may be a simple insertion of the regulatorysequence, placing the gene under the control of the new regulatorysequence, e.g., inserting a new promoter or enhancer or both upstream ofa gene. Alternatively, the targeting event may be a simple deletion of aregulatory element, such as the deletion of a tissue-specific negativeregulatory element. Alternatively, the targeting event may replace anexisting element; for example, a tissue-specific enhancer can bereplaced by an enhancer that has broader or different cell-typespecificity than the naturally occurring elements. Here, the naturallyoccurring sequences are deleted and new sequences are added. In allcases, the identification of the targeting event may be facilitated bythe use of one or more selectable marker genes that are contiguous withthe targeting DNA, allowing for the selection of cells in which theexogenous DNA has integrated into the cell genome. The identification ofthe targeting event may also be facilitated by the use of one or moremarker genes exhibiting the property of negative selection, such thatthe negatively selectable marker is linked to the exogenous DNA, butconfigured such that the negatively selectable marker flanks thetargeting sequence, and such that a correct homologous recombinationevent with sequences in the host cell genome does not result in thestable integration of the negatively selectable marker. Markers usefulfor this purpose include the Herpes Simplex Virus thymidine kinase (TK)gene or the bacterial xanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (gpt)gene.

The gene targeting or gene activation techniques which can be used inaccordance with this aspect of the invention are more particularlydescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,071 to Chappel; U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,461to Sherwin et al.; International Application No. PCT/US92/09627(WO93/09222) by Selden et al.; and International Application No.PCT/US90/06436 (WO91/06667) by Skoultchi et al., each of which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

4.6 Transgenic Animals

In preferred methods to determine biological functions of thepolypeptides of the invention in vivo, one or more genes provided by theinvention are either over expressed or inactivated in the germ line ofanimals using homologous recombination [Capecchi, Science 244:1288-1292(1989)]. Animals in which the gene is over expressed, under theregulatory control of exogenous or endogenous promoter elements, areknown as transgenic animals. Animals in which an endogenous gene hasbeen inactivated by homologous recombination are referred to as“knockout” animals. Knockout animals, preferably non-human mammals, canbe prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,032, incorporated hereinby reference. Transgenic animals are useful to determine the rolespolypeptides of the invention play in biological processes, andpreferably in disease states. Transgenic animals are useful as modelsystems to identify compounds that modulate lipid metabolism. Transgenicanimals, preferably non-human mammals, are produced using methods asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,743 and PCT Publication No. WO94/28122,incorporated herein by reference.

Transgenic animals can be prepared wherein all or part of a promoter ofthe polynucleotides of the invention is either activated or inactivatedto alter the level of expression of the polypeptides of the invention.Inactivation can be carried out using homologous recombination methodsdescribed above. Activation can be achieved by supplementing or evenreplacing the homologous promoter to provide for increased proteinexpression. The homologous promoter can be supplemented by insertion ofone or more heterologous enhancer elements known to confer promoteractivation in a particular tissue.

The polynucleotides of the present invention also make possible thedevelopment, through, e.g., homologous recombination or knock outstrategies; of animals that fail to express functional stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide or that express a variant of stem cell growthfactor-like polypeptide. Such animals are useful as models for studyingthe in vivo activities of stem cell growth factor-like polypeptide aswell as for studying modulators of the stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide.

In preferred methods to determine biological functions of thepolypeptides of the invention in vivo, one or more genes provided by theinvention are either over expressed or inactivated in the germ line ofanimals using homologous recombination [Capecchi, Science 244:1288-1292(1989)]. Animals in which the gene is over expressed, under theregulatory control of exogenous or endogenous promoter elements, areknown as transgenic animals. Animals in which an endogenous gene hasbeen inactivated by homologous recombination are referred to as“knockout” animals. Knockout animals, preferably non-human mammals, canbe prepared as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,032, incorporated hereinby reference. Transgenic animals are useful to determine the rolespolypeptides of the invention play in biological processes, andpreferably in disease states. Transgenic animals are useful as modelsystems to identify compounds that modulate lipid metabolism. Transgenicanimals, preferably non-human mammals, are produced using methods asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,743 and PCT Publication No. WO94/28122,incorporated herein by reference.

Transgenic animals can be prepared wherein all or part of thepolynucleotides of the invention promoter is either activated orinactivated to alter the level of expression of the polypeptides of theinvention. Inactivation can be carried out using homologousrecombination methods described above. Activation can be achieved bysupplementing or even replacing the homologous promoter to provide forincreased protein expression. The homologous promoter can besupplemented by insertion of one or more heterologous enhancer elementsknown to confer promoter activation in a particular tissue.

4.7 Uses and Biological Activity of Human Stem Cell Growth Factor-LikePolypeptide

The polynucleotides and proteins of the present invention are expectedto exhibit one or more of the uses or biological activities (includingthose associated with assays cited herein) identified herein. Uses oractivities described for proteins of the present invention may beprovided by administration or use of such proteins or of polynucleotidesencoding such proteins (such as, for example, in gene therapies orvectors suitable for introduction of DNA). The mechanism underlying theparticular condition or pathology will dictate whether the polypeptidesof the invention, the polynucleotides of the invention or modulators(activators or inhibitors) thereof would be beneficial to the subject inneed of treatment. Thus, “therapeutic compositions of the invention”include compositions comprising isolated polynucleotides (includingrecombinant DNA molecules, cloned genes and degenerate variants thereof)or polypeptides of the invention (including full length protein, matureprotein and truncations or domains thereof), or compounds and othersubstances that modulate the overall activity of the target geneproducts, either at the level of target gene/protein expression ortarget protein activity. Such modulators include polypeptides, analogs,(variants), including fragments and fusion proteins, antibodies andother binding proteins; chemical compounds that directly or indirectlyactivate or inhibit the polypeptides of the invention (identified, e.g.,via drug screening assays as described herein); antisensepolynucleotides and polynucleotides suitable for triple helix formation;and in particular antibodies or other binding partners that specificallyrecognize one or more epitopes of the polypeptides of the invention.

The polypeptides of the present invention may likewise be involved incellular activation or in one of the other physiological pathwaysdescribed herein.

4.7.1 Research Uses and Utilities

The polynucleotides provided by the present invention can be used by theresearch community for various purposes. The polynucleotides can be usedto express recombinant protein for analysis, characterization ortherapeutic use; as markers for tissues in which the correspondingprotein is preferentially expressed (either constitutively or at aparticular stage of tissue differentiation or development or in diseasestates); as molecular weight markers on gels; as chromosome markers ortags (when labeled) to identify chromosomes or to map related genepositions; to compare with endogenous DNA sequences in patients toidentify potential genetic disorders; as probes to hybridize and thusdiscover novel, related DNA sequences; as a source of information toderive PCR primers for genetic fingerprinting; as a probe to“subtract-out” known sequences in the process of discovering other novelpolynucleotides; for selecting and making oligomers for attachment to a“gene chip” or other support, including for examination of expressionpatterns; to raise anti-protein antibodies using DNA immunizationtechniques; and as an antigen to raise anti-DNA antibodies or elicitanother immune response. Where the polynucleotide encodes a proteinwhich binds or potentially binds to another protein (such as, forexample, in a receptor-ligand interaction), the polynucleotide can alsobe used in interaction trap assays (such as, for example, that describedin Gyuris et al., Cell 75:791-803 (1993)) to identify polynucleotidesencoding the other protein with which binding occurs or to identifyinhibitors of the binding interaction.

The polypeptides provided by the present invention can similarly be usedin assays to determine biological activity, including in a panel ofmultiple proteins for high-throughput screening, to raise antibodies orto elicit another immune response; as a reagent (including the labeledreagent) in assays designed to quantitatively determine levels of theprotein (or its receptor) in biological fluids; as markers for tissuesin which the corresponding polypeptide is preferentially expressed(either constitutively or at a particular stage of tissuedifferentiation or development or in a disease state); and, of course,to isolate correlative receptors or ligands. Proteins involved in thesebinding interactions can also be used to screen for peptide or smallmolecule inhibitors or agonists of the binding interaction.

The polypeptides of the invention are also useful for making antibodysubstances that are specifically immunoreactive with stem cell growthfactor-like proteins. Antibodies and portions thereof (e.g., Fabfragments) which bind to the polypeptides of the invention can be usedto identify the presence of such polypeptides in a sample. Suchdeterminations are carried out using any suitable immunoassay format,and any polypeptide of the invention that is specifically bound by theantibody can be employed as a positive control.

Any or all of these research utilities are capable of being developedinto reagent grade or kit format for commercialization as researchproducts.

Methods for performing the uses listed above are well known to thoseskilled in the art. References disclosing such methods include withoutlimitation “Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual”, 2d ed., Cold SpringHarbor Laboratory Press, Sambrook, J., E. F. Fritsch and T. Maniatiseds., 1989, and “Methods in Enzymology: Guide to Molecular CloningTechniques”, Academic Press, Berger, S. L. and A. R. Kimmel eds., 1987.

4.7.2 Nutritional Uses

Polynucleotides and polypeptides of the present invention can also beused as nutritional sources or supplements. Such uses include withoutlimitation use as a protein or amino acid supplement, use as a carbonsource, use as a nitrogen source and use as a source of carbohydrate. Insuch cases the polypeptide or polynucleotide of the invention can beadded to the feed of a particular organism or can be administered as aseparate solid or liquid preparation, such as in the form of powder,pills, solutions, suspensions or capsules. In the case ofmicroorganisms, the polypeptide or polynucleotide of the invention canbe added to the medium in or on which the microorganism is cultured.

Additionally, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as markers,and as a food supplement A polypeptide consisting of SEQ ID NO: 6, forexample, has a molecular mass of approximately 26 kDa in its unprocessedand unglycosylated state. Protein food supplements are well known andthe formulation of suitable food supplements including polypeptides ofthe invention is within the level of skill in the food preparation art.

4.7.3 Cytokine and Cell Proliferation/Differentiation Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention may exhibit activity relating tocytokine, cell proliferation (either inducing or inhibiting) or celldifferentiation (either inducing or inhibiting) activity or may induceproduction of other cytokines in certain cell populations. Apolynucleotide of the invention can encode a polypeptide exhibiting suchattributes. Many protein factors discovered to date, including all knowncytokines, have exhibited activity in one or more factor-dependent cellproliferation assays, and hence the assays serve as a convenientconfirmation of cytokine activity. The activity of therapeuticcompositions of the present invention is evidenced by any one of anumber of routine factor dependent cell proliferation assays for celllines including, without limitation, 32D, DA2, DA1G, T10, B9, B9/11,BaF3, MC9/G, M+(preB M+), 2E8, RB5, DA1, 123, T1165, HT2, CTLL2, TF-1,Mo7e, CMK, HUVEC, and Caco. Therapeutic compositions of the inventioncan be used in the following:

Assays for T-cell or thymocyte proliferation include without limitationthose described in: Current Protocols in Immunology, Ed by J. E.Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H. Margulies, E. M. Shevach, W. Strober,Pub. Greene Publishing Associates and Wiley-Interscience (Chapter 3, InVitro assays for Mouse Lymphocyte Function 3.1-3.19; Chapter 7,Immunologic studies in Humans); Takai et al., J. Immunol. 137:3494-3500,1986; Bertagnolli et al., J. Immunol. 145:1706-1712, 1990; Bertagnolliet al., Cellular Immunology 133:327-341, 1991; Bertagnori, et al., I.Immunol. 149:3778-3783, 1992; Bowman et al., I. Immunol. 152:1756-1761,1994.

Assays for cytokine production and/or proliferation of spleen cells,lymph node cells or thymocytes include, without limitation, thosedescribed in: Polyclonal T cell stimulation, Kruisbeek, A. M. andShevach, E. M. In Current Protocols in Immunology. J. E. e.a. Coliganeds. Vol 1 pp. 3.12.1-3.12.14, John Wiley and Sons, Toronto. 1994; andMeasurement of mouse and human interleukin-□, Schreiber, R. D. InCurrent Protocols in Immunology. J. E. e.a. Coligan eds. Vol 1 pp.6.8.1-6.8.8, John Wiley and Sons, Toronto. 1994.

Assays for proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic andlymphopoietic cells include, without limitation, those described in:Measurement of Human and Murine Interleukin 2 and Interleukin 4,Bottomly, K., Davis, L. S, and Lipsky, P. E. In Current Protocols inImmunology. J. E. e.a. Coligan eds. Vol 1 pp. 6.3.1-6.3.12, John Wileyand Sons, Toronto. 1991; deVries et al., J. Exp. Med. 173:1205-1211,1991; Moreau et al., Nature 336:690-692, 1988; Greenberger et al., Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:2931-2938, 1983; Measurement of mouse andhuman interleukin 6-Nordan, R. In Current Protocols in Immunology. J. B.Coligan eds. Vol 1 pp. 6.6.1-6.6.5, John Wiley and Sons, Toronto. 1991;Smith et al., Proc. Natl. Aced. Sci. U.S.A. 83:1857-1861, 1986;Measurement of human Interleulin 11—Bennett, F., Giannotti, J., Clark,S. C. and Turner, K. J. In Current Protocols in Immunology. J. E.Coligan eds. Vol 1 pp. 6.15.1 John Wiley and Sons, Toronto. 1991;Measurement of mouse and human Interleukin 9-Carletta, A., Giannotti,J., Clark, S. C. and Turner, K. J. In Current Protocols in Immunology.J. E. Coligan eds. Vol 1 pp. 6.13.1, John Wiley and Sons, Toronto. 1991.

Assays for T-cell clone responses to antigens (which will identify,among others, proteins that affect APC-T cell interactions as well asdirect T-cell effects by measuring proliferation and cytokineproduction) include, without limitation, those described in: CurrentProtocols in Immunology, Ed by J. E. Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H.Margilies, E. M. Shevach, W Strober, Pub. Greene Publishing Associatesand Wiley-Interscience (Chapter 3, In Vitro assays for Mouse LymphocyteFunction; Chapter 6, Cytolines and their cellular receptors; Chapter 7,Immunologic studies in Humans); Weinberger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 77:6091-6095, 1980; Weinberger et al., Eur. J. Immun.11:405-411, 1981; Takai et al., J. Immunol. 137:3494-3500, 1986; Takaiet al., J. Immunol. 140:508-512, 1988.

4.7.4 Stem Cell Growth Factor Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention may exhibit stem cell growthfactor activity and be involved in the proliferation, differentiationand survival of pluripotent and totipotent stem cells includingprimordial germ cells, embryonic stem cells, hematopoietic stem cellsand/or germ line stem cells. Administration of the polypeptide of theinvention to stem cells in vivo or ex vivo may maintain and expand cellpopulations in a totipotential or pluripotential state which would beuseful for re-engineering damaged or diseased tissues, transplantation,manufacture of bio-pharmaceuticals and the development of bio-sensors.The ability to produce large quantities of human cells has importantworking applications for the production of human proteins whichcurrently must be obtained from non-human sources or donors,implantation of cells to treat diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer'sand other neurodegenerative diseases; tissues for grafting such as bonemarrow, skin, cartilage, tendons, bone, muscle (including cardiacmuscle), blood vessels, cornea, neural cells, gastrointestinal cells andothers; and organs for transplantation such as kidney, liver, pancreas(including islet cells), heart and lung.

It is contemplated that multiple different exogenous growth factorsand/or cytokines may be administered in combination with the polypeptideof the invention to achieve the desired effect, including any of thegrowth factors listed herein, other stem cell maintenance factors, andspecifically including stem cell factor (SCF), leukemia inhibitoryfactor (LIF), Flt-3 ligand (Flt-3L), any of the interleukins,recombinant soluble IL=6 receptor fused to IL-6, macrophage inflammatoryprotein 1-alpha (MIP-1-alpha), G-CSF, GM-CSF, thrombopoietin (TPO),platelet factor 4 (PF4), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), neuralgrowth factors and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Since totipotent stem cells can give rise to virtually any mature celltype, expansion of these cells in culture will facilitate the productionof large quantities of mature cells. Techniques for culturing stem cellsare known in the art and administration of polypeptides of theinvention, optionally with other growth factors and/or cytokines, isexpected to enhance the survival and proliferation of the stem cellpopulations. This can be accomplished by direct administration of thepolypeptide of the invention to the culture medium. Alternatively,stroma cells transfected with a polynucleotide that encodes for thepolypeptide of the invention can be used as a feeder layer for the stemcell populations in culture or in vivo. Stromal support cells for feederlayers may include embryonic bone marrow fibroblasts, bone marrowstromal cells, fetal liver cells, or cultured embryonic fibroblasts (seeU.S. Pat. No. 5,690,926).

Stem cells themselves can be transfected with a polynucleotide of theinvention to induce autocrine expression of the polypeptide of theinvention. This will allow for generation of undifferentiatedtotipotential/pluripotential stem cell lines that are useful as is orthat can then be differentiated into the desired mature cell types.These stable cell lines can also serve as a source of undifferentiatedtotipotential/pluripotential mRNA to create cDNA libraries and templatesfor polymerase chain reaction experiments. These studies would allow forthe isolation and identification of differentially expressed genes instem cell populations that regulate stem cell proliferation and/ormaintenance.

Expansion and maintenance of totipotent stem cell populations will beuseful in the treatment of many pathological conditions. For example,polypeptides of the present invention may be used to manipulate stemcells in culture to give rise to neuroepithelial cells that can be usedto augment or replace cells damaged by illness, autoimmune disease,accidental damage or genetic disorders. The polypeptide of the inventionmay be useful for inducing the proliferation of neural cells and for theregeneration of nerve and brain tissue, i.e. for the treatment ofcentral and peripheral nervous system diseases and neuropathies, as wellas mechanical and traumatic disorders which involve degeneration, deathor trauma to neural cells or nerve tissue. Furthermore, these cells canbe cultured in vitro to form other differentiated cells, such as skintissue that can be used for transplantation. In addition, the expandedstem cell populations can also be genetically altered for gene therapypurposes and to decrease host rejection of replacement tissues aftergrafting or implantation.

Expression of the polypeptide of the invention and its effect on stemcells can also be manipulated to achieve controlled differentiation ofthe stem cells into more differentiated cell types. A broadly applicablemethod of obtaining pure populations of a specific differentiated celltype from undifferentiated stem cell populations involves the use of acell-type specific promoter driving a selectable marker. The selectablemarker allows only cells of the desired type to survive. For example,stem cells can be induced to differentiate into cardiomyocytes (Wobus etal., Differentiation, 48: 173-182, (1991); Kiug et al., J. Clin.Invest., 98(1): 216-224, (1998)) or skeletal muscle cells (Browder, L.W. In: Principles of Tissue Engineering eds. Lanza et al., AcademicPress (1997)). Alternatively, directed differentiation of stem cells canbe accomplished by culturing the stem cells in the presence of adifferentiation factor such as retinoic acid and an antagonist of thepolypeptide of the invention which would inhibit the effects ofendogenous stem cell factor activity and allow differentiation toproceed.

In vitro cultures of stem cells can be used to determine if thepolypeptide of the invention exhibits stem cell growth factor activity.Stem cells are isolated from any one of various cell sources (includinghematopoietic stem cells and embryonic stem cells) and cultured on afeeder layer, as described by Thompson et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci,U.S.A., 92: 7844-7848 (1995), in the presence of the polypeptide of theinvention alone or in combination with other growth factors orcytokines. The ability of the polypeptide of the invention to inducestem cells proliferation is determined by colony formation on semi-solidsupport e.g. as described by Bernstein et al., Blood, 77: 2316-2321(1991).

4.7.5 Hematopoiesis Regulating Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention may be involved in regulation ofhematopoiesis and, consequently, in the treatment of myeloid or lymphoidcell disorders. Even marginal biological activity in support of colonyforming cells or of factor-dependent cell lines indicates involvement inregulating hematopoiesis, e.g. in supporting the growth andproliferation of erythroid progenitor cells alone or in combination withother cytokines, thereby indicating utility, for example, in treatingvarious anemias or for use in conjunction with irradiation/chemotherapyto stimulate the production of erythroid precursors and/or erythroidcells; in supporting the growth and proliferation of myeloid cells suchas granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages (i.e., traditional colonystimulating factor activity) useful, for example, in conjunction withchemotherapy to prevent or treat consequent myelo-suppression; insupporting the growth and proliferation of megakaryocytes andconsequently of platelets thereby allowing prevention or treatment ofvarious platelet disorders such as thrombocytopenia, and generally foruse in place of or complimentary to platelet transfusions; and/or insupporting the growth and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cellswhich are capable of maturing to any and all of the above-mentionedhematopoietic cells and therefore find therapeutic utility in variousstem cell disorders (such as those usually treated with transplantation,including, without limitation, aplastic anemia and paroxysmal nocturnalhemoglobinuria), as well as in repopulating the stem cell compartmentpost irradiation/chemotherapy, either in-vivo or ex-vivo (i.e., inconjunction with bone marrow transplantation or with peripheralprogenitor cell transplantation (homologous or heterologous)) as normalcells or genetically manipulated for gene therapy.

Therapeutic compositions of the invention can be used in the following:

Suitable assays for proliferation and differentiation of varioushematopoietic lines are cited above.

Assays for embryonic stem cell differentiation (which will identify,among others, proteins that influence embryonic differentiationhematopoiesis) include, without limitation, those described in:Johansson et al. Cellular Biology 15:141-151, 1995; Keller et al.,Molecular and Cellular Biology 13:473-486, 1993; McClanahan et al.,Blood 81:2903-2915, 1993.

Assays for stem cell survival and differentiation (which will identify,among others, proteins that regulate lympho-hematopoiesis) include,without limitation, those described in: Methylcellulose colony formingassays, Freshney, M. G. In Culture of Hematopoietic Cells. R. I.Freshney, et al. eds. Vol pp. 265-268, Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York, N.Y.1994; Hirayama et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:5907-5911, 1992;Primitive hematopoietic colony forming cells with high proliferativepotential, McNiece, I. K and Briddell, R. A. In Culture of HematopoieticCells. R. I. Freshney, et al. eds. Vol pp. 23-39, Wiley-Liss, Inc., NewYork, N.Y. 1994; Neben et al., Experimental Hematology 22:353-359, 1994;Cobblestone area forming cell assay, Ploemacher, R. E. In Culture ofHematopoietic Cells. R. I. Freshney, et al. eds. Vol pp. 1-21,Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York, N.Y. 1994; Long term bone marrow cultures inthe presence of stromal cells, Spooncer, E., Dexter, M. and Allen, T. InCulture of Hematopoietic Cells. R. I. Freshney, et al. eds. Vol pp.163-179, Wiley-Liss, Inc., New York, N.Y. 1994; Long term cultureinitiating cell assay, Sutherland, H. J. In Culture of HematopoieticCells. R. I. Freshney, et al. eds. Vol pp. 139-162, Wiley-Liss, Inc.,New York, N.Y. 1994.

4.7.6 Tissue Growth Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention also may be involved in bone,cartilage, tendon, ligament and/or nerve tissue growth or regeneration,as well as in wound healing and tissue repair and replacement, and inhealing of burns, incisions and ulcers.

A polypeptide of the present invention which induces cartilage and/orbone growth in circumstances where bone is not normally formed, hasapplication in the healing of bone fractures and cartilage damage ordefects in humans and other animals. Compositions of a polypeptide,antibody, binding partner, or other modulator of the invention may haveprophylactic use in closed as well as open fracture reduction and alsoin the improved fixation of artificial joints. De novo bone formationinduced by an osteogenic agent contributes to the repair of congenital,trauma induced, or oncologic resection induced craniofacial defects, andalso is useful in cosmetic plastic surgery.

A polypeptide of this invention may also be involved in attractingbone-forming cells, stimulating growth of bone-forming cells, orinducing differentiation of progenitors of bone-forming cells. Treatmentof osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, bone degenerative disorders, orperiodontal disease, such as through stimulation of bone and/orcartilage repair or by blocking inflammation or processes of tissuedestruction (collagenase activity, osteoclast activity, etc.) mediatedby inflammatory processes may also be possible using the composition ofthe invention.

Another category of tissue regeneration activity that may involve thepolypeptide of the present invention is tendon/ligament formation.Induction of tendon/ligament-like tissue or other tissue formation incircumstances where such tissue is not normally formed, has applicationin the healing of tendon or ligament tears, deformities and other tendonor ligament defects in humans and other animals. Such a preparationemploying a tendon/ligament-like tissue inducing protein may haveprophylactic use in preventing damage to tendon or ligament tissue, aswell as use in the improved fixation of tendon or ligament to bone orother tissues, and in repairing defects to tendon or ligament tissue. Denovo tendon/ligament-like tissue formation induced by a composition ofthe present invention contributes to the repair of congenital, traumainduced, or other tendon or ligament defects of other origin, and isalso useful in cosmetic plastic surgery for attachment or repair oftendons or ligaments. The compositions of the present invention mayprovide environment to attract tendon- or ligament-forming cells,stimulate growth of tendon- or ligament-forming cells, inducedifferentiation of progenitors of tendon- or ligament-forming cells, orinduce growth of tendon/ligament cells or progenitors ex vivo for returnin vivo to effect tissue repair. The compositions of the invention mayalso be useful in the treatment of tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndromeand other tendon or ligament defects. The compositions may also includean appropriate matrix and/or sequestering agent as a carrier as is wellknown in the art.

The compositions of the present invention may also be useful forproliferation of neural cells and for regeneration of nerve and braintissue, i.e. for the treatment of central and peripheral nervous systemdiseases and neuropathies, as well as mechanical and traumaticdisorders, which involve degeneration, death or trauma to neural cellsor nerve tissue. More specifically, a composition may be used in thetreatment of diseases of the peripheral nervous system, such asperipheral nerve injuries, peripheral neuropathy and localizedneuropathies, and central nervous system diseases, such as Alzheimer's,Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateralsclerosis, and Shy-Drager syndrome. Further conditions which may betreated in accordance with the present invention include mechanical andtraumatic disorders, such as spinal cord disorders, head trauma andcerebrovascular diseases such as stroke. Peripheral neuropathiesresulting from chemotherapy or other medical therapies may also betreatable using a composition of the invention.

Compositions of the invention may also be useful to promote better orfaster closure of non-healing wounds, including without limitationpressure ulcers, ulcers associated with vascular insufficiency, surgicaland traumatic wounds, and the like.

Compositions of the present invention may also be involved in thegeneration or regeneration of other tissues, such as organs (including,for example, pancreas, liver, intestine, kidney, skin, endothelium),muscle (smooth, skeletal or cardiac) and vascular (including vascularendothelium) tissue, or for promoting the growth of cells comprisingsuch tissues. Part of the desired effects may be by inhibition ormodulation of fibrotic scarring may allow normal tissue to regenerate. Apolypeptide of the present invention may also exhibit angiogenicactivity.

A composition of the present invention may also be useful for gutprotection or regeneration and treatment of lung or liver fibrosis,reperfusion injury in various tissues, and conditions resulting fromsystemic cytokine damage.

A composition of the present invention may also be useful for promotingor inhibiting differentiation of tissues described above from precursortissues or cells; or for inhibiting the growth of tissues describedabove.

Therapeutic compositions of the invention can be used in the following:

Assays for tissue generation activity include, without limitation, thosedescribed in: International Patent Publication No. WO95/16035 (bone,cartilage, tendon); International Patent Publication No. WO95/05846(nerve, neuronal); International Patent Publication No. WO91/07491(skin, endothelium).

Assays for wound healing activity include, without limitation, thosedescribed in: Winter, Epidermal Wound Healing, pp. 71-112 (Maibach, H.I. and Rovee, D. T., eds.), Year Book Medical Publishers, Inc., Chicago,as modified by Eaglstein and Mertz, J. Invest. Dermatol 71:382-84(1978).

4.7.7 Immune Function Stimulating or Suppressing Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention may also exhibit immunestimulating or immune suppressing activity, including without limitationthe activities for which assays are described herein. A polynucleotideof the invention can encode a polypeptide exhibiting such activities. Aprotein may be useful in the treatment of various immune deficienciesand disorders (including severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)), e.g.,in regulating (up or down) growth and proliferation of T and/or Blymphocytes, as well as effecting the cytolytic activity of NK cells andother cell populations. These immune deficiencies may be genetic or becaused by viral (e.g., HIV) as well as bacterial or fungal infections,or may result from autoimmune disorders. More specifically, infectiousdiseases causes by viral, bacterial, fungal or other infection may betreatable using a protein of the present invention, including infectionsby HIV, hepatitis viruses, herpes viruses, mycobacteria, Leishmaniaspp., malaria spp. and various fungal infections such as candidiasis. Ofcourse, in this regard, proteins of the present invention may also beuseful where a boost to the immune system generally may be desirable,i.e., in the treatment of cancer.

Autoimmune disorders which may be treated using a protein of the presentinvention include, for example, connective tissue disease, multiplesclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis,autoimmune pulmonary inflammation, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autoimmunethyroiditis, insulin dependent diabetes mellitis, myasthenia gravis,graft-versus-host disease and autoimmune inflammatory eye disease. Sucha protein (or antagonists thereof, including antibodies) of the presentinvention may also to be useful in the treatment of allergic reactionsand conditions (e.g., anaphylaxis, serum sickness, drug reactions, foodallergies, insect venom allergies, mastocytosis, allergic rhinitis,hypersensitivity pneumonitis, urticaria, angioedema, eczema, atopicdermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, erythema multiforme,Stevens-Johnson syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, atopickeratoconjunctivitis, venereal keratoconjunctivitis, giant papillaryconjunctivitis and contact allergies), such as asthma particularlyallergic asthma) or other respiratory problems. Other conditions, inwhich immune suppression is desired (including, for example, organtransplantation), may also be treatable using a protein (or antagoniststhereof) of the present invention. The therapeutic effects of thepolypeptides or antagonists thereof on allergic reactions can beevaluated by in vivo animals models such as the cumulative contactenhancement test (Lastbom et al., Toxicology 125: 59-66, 1998), skinprick test (Hoffmann et al., Allergy 54: 446-54, 1999), guinea pig skinsensitization test (Vohr et al., Arch. Toxocol. 73: 501-9), and murinelocal lymph node assay (Kimber et al., J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 53:563-79).

Using the proteins of the invention it may also be possible to modulateimmune responses, in a number of ways. Down regulation may be in theform of inhibiting or blocking an immune response already in progress ormay involve preventing the induction of an immune response. Thefunctions of activated T cells may be inhibited by suppressing T cellresponses or by inducing specific tolerance in T cells, or both.Immunosuppression of T cell responses is generally an active,non-antigen-specific, process which requires continuous exposure of theT cells to the suppressive agent. Tolerance, which involves inducingnon-responsiveness or anergy in T cells, is distinguishable fromimmunosuppression in that it is generally antigen-specific and persistsafter exposure to the tolerizing agent has ceased. Operationally,tolerance can be demonstrated by the lack of a T cell response uponreexposure to specific antigen in the absence of the tolerizing agent.

Down regulating or preventing one or more antigen functions (includingwithout limitation B lymphocyte antigen functions (such as, for example,B7)), e.g., preventing high level lymphokine synthesis by activated Tcells, will be useful in situations of tissue, skin and organtransplantation and in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). For example,blockage of T cell function should result in reduced tissue destructionin tissue transplantation. Typically, in tissue transplants, rejectionof the transplant is initiated through its recognition as foreign by Tcells, followed by an immune reaction that destroys the transplant. Theadministration of a therapeutic composition of the invention may preventcytokine synthesis by immune cells, such as T cells, and thus acts as animmunosuppressant. Moreover, a lack of costimulation may also besufficient to anergize the T cells, thereby inducing tolerance in asubject. Induction of long-term tolerance by B lymphocyteantigen-blocking reagents may avoid the necessity of repeatedadministration of these blocking reagents. To achieve sufficientimmunosuppression or tolerance in a subject, it may also be necessary toblock the function of a combination of B lymphocyte antigens.

The efficacy of particular therapeutic compositions in preventing organtransplant rejection or GVHD can be assessed using animal models thatare predictive of efficacy in humans. Examples of appropriate systemswhich can be used include allogeneic cardiac grafts in rats andxenogeneic pancreatic islet cell grafts in mice, both of which have beenused to examine the immunosuppressive effects of CTLA4Ig fusion proteinsin vivo as described in Lenschow et al., Science 257:789-792 (1992) andTurka et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:11102-11105 (1992). Inaddition, murine models of GVHD (see Paul ed., Fundamental Immunology,Raven Press, New York, 1989, pp. 846-847) can be used to determine theeffect of therapeutic compositions of the invention on the developmentof that disease.

Blocking antigen function may also be therapeutically useful fortreating autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune disorders are the resultof inappropriate activation of T cells that are reactive against selftissue and which promote the production of cytokines and autoantibodiesinvolved in the pathology of the diseases. Preventing the activation ofautoreactive T cells may reduce or eliminate disease symptoms.Administration of reagents which block stimulation of T cells can beused to inhibit T cell activation and prevent production ofautoantibodies or T cell-derived cytokines which may be involved in thedisease process. Additionally, blocking reagents may induceantigen-specific tolerance of autoreactive T cells which could lead tolong-term relief from the disease. The efficacy of blocking reagents inpreventing or alleviating autoimmune disorders can be determined using anumber of well-characterized animal models of human autoimmune diseases.Examples include murine experimental autoimmune encephalitis, systemiclupus erythematosus in MRL/lpr/lpr mice or NZB hybrid mice, murineautoimmune collagen arthritis, diabetes mellitus in NOD mice and BBrats, and murine experimental myasthenia gravis (see Paul ed.,Fundamental Immunology, Raven Press, New York, 1989, pp. 840-856).

Upregulation of an antigen function (e.g., a B lymphocyte antigenfunction), as a means of up regulating immune responses, may also beuseful in therapy. Upregulation of immune responses may be in the formof enhancing an existing immune response or eliciting an initial immuneresponse. For example, enhancing an immune response may be useful incases of viral infection, including systemic viral diseases such asinfluenza, the common cold, and encephalitis.

Alternatively, anti-viral immune responses may be enhanced in aninfected patient by removing T cells from the patient, costimulating theT cells in vitro with viral antigen-pulsed APCs either expressing apeptide of the present invention or together with a stimulatory form ofa soluble peptide of the present invention and reintroducing the invitro activated T cells into the patient. Another method of enhancinganti-viral immune responses would be to isolate infected cells from apatient, transfect them with a nucleic acid encoding a protein of thepresent invention as described herein such that the cells express all ora portion of the protein on their surface, and reintroduce thetransfected cells into the patient. The infected cells would now becapable of delivering a costimulatory signal to, and thereby activate, Tcells in vivo.

A polypeptide of the present invention may provide the necessarystimulation signal to T cells to induce a T cell mediated immuneresponse against the transfected tumor cells. In addition, tumor cellswhich lack MHC class I or MHC class II molecules, or which fail toreexpress sufficient mounts of MHC class I or MHC class II molecules,can be transfected with nucleic acid encoding all or a portion of (e.g.,a cytoplasmic-domain truncated portion) of an MHC class I alpha chainprotein and β₂ microglobulin protein or an MHC class II alpha chainprotein and an MHC class II beta chain protein to thereby express MHCclass I or MHC class II proteins on the cell surface. Expression of theappropriate class I or class II MHC in conjunction with a peptide havingthe activity of a B lymphocyte antigen (e.g., B7-1, B7-2, B7-3) inducesa T cell mediated immune response against the transfected tumor cell.Optionally, a gene encoding an antisense construct which blocksexpression of an MHC class II associated protein, such as the invariantchain, can also be cotransfected with a DNA encoding a peptide havingthe activity of a B lymphocyte antigen to promote presentation of tumorassociated antigens and induce tumor specific immunity. Thus, theinduction of a T cell mediated immune response in a human subject may besufficient to overcome tumor-specific tolerance in the subject.

The activity of a protein of the invention may, among other means, bemeasured by the following methods:

Suitable assays for thymocyte or splenocyte cytotoxicity include,without limitation, those described in: Current Protocols in Immunology,Ed by J. E. Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H. Margulies, E. M. Shevach, W.Strober, Pub. Greene Publishing Associates and Wiley-Interscience(Chapter 3, In Vitro assays for Mouse Lymphocyte Function 3.1-3.19;Chapter 7, Immunologic studies in Humans); Herrmann et al., Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 78:2488-2492, 1981; Herrmann et al., J. Immunol.128:1968-1974, 1982; Handa et al., J. Immunol. 135:1564-1572, 1985;Takai et al., I. Immunol. 137:3494-3500, 1986; Takai et al., J. Immunol.140:508-512, 1988; Bowman et al., J. Virology 61:1992-1998; Bertagnolliet al., Cellular Immunology 133:327-341, 1991; Brown et al., J. Immunol.153:3079-3092, 1994.

Assays for T-cell-dependent immunoglobulin responses and isotypeswitching (which will identify, among others, proteins that modulateT-cell dependent antibody responses and that affect Th1/Th2 profiles)include, without limitation, those described in: Maliszewski, J.Immunol. 144:3028-3033, 1990; and Assays for B cell function: In vitroantibody production, Mond, J. J. and Brunswick, M. In Current Protocolsin Immunology. J. E. e.a. Coligan eds. Vol 1 pp. 3.8.1-3.8.16, JohnWiley and Sons, Toronto. 1994.

Mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays (which will identify, amongothers, proteins that generate predominantly Th1 and CTL responses)include, without limitation, those described in: Current Protocols inImmunology, Ed by J. E. Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H. Margulies, E. M.Shevach, W. Strober, Pub. Greene Publishing Associates andWiley-Interscience (Chapter 3, In Vitro assays for Mouse LymphocyteFunction 3.1-3.19; Chapter 7, Immunologic studies in Humans); Takai etal., J. Immunol. 137:3494-3500, 1986; Takai et al., J. Immunol.140:508-512, 1988; Bertagnolli et al., J. Immunol. 149:3778-3783, 1992.

Dendritic cell-dependent assays (which will identify, among others,proteins expressed by dendritic cells that activate naive T-cells)include, without limitation, those described in: Guery et al., J.Immunol. 134:536-544, 1995; Inaba et al., Journal of ExperimentalMedicine 173:549-559, 1991; Macatonia et al., Journal of Immunology154:5071-5079, 1995; Porgador et al., Journal of Experimental Medicine182:255-260, 1995; Nair et al., Journal of Virology 67:4062-4069, 1993;Huang et al., Science 264:961-965, 1994; Macatonia et al., Journal ofExperimental Medicine 169:1255-1264, 1989; Bhardwaj et al., Journal ofClinical Investigation 94:797-807, 1994; and Inaba et al., Journal ofExperimental Medicine 172:631-640, 1990.

Assays for lymphocyte survival/apoptosis (which will identify, amongothers, proteins that prevent apoptosis after superantigen induction andproteins that regulate lymphocyte homeostasis) include, withoutlimitation, those described in: Darzynkiewicz et al., Cytometry13:795-808, 1992; Gorczyca et al., Leukemia 7:659-670, 1993; Gorczyca etal., Cancer Research 53:1945-1951, 1993; Itoh et al., Cell 66:233-243,1991; Zacharchuk, Journal of Immunology 145:4037-4045, 1990; Zamai etal., Cytometry 14:891-897, 1993; Gorczyca et al., International Journalof Oncology 1:639-648, 1992.

Assays for proteins that influence early steps of T-cell commitment anddevelopment include, without limitation, those described in: Antica etal., Blood 84:111-117, 1994; Fine et al., Cellular Immunology155:111-122, 1994; Galy et al., Blood 85:2770-2778, 1995; Toki et al.,Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 88:7548-7551, 1991.

4.7.8 Chemotactic/Chemokinetic Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention may be involved in chemotactic orchemokinetic activity for mammalian cells, including, for example,monocytes, fibroblasts, neutrophils, T-ells, mast cells, eosinophils,epithelial and/or endothelial cells. A polynucleotide of the inventioncan encode a polypeptide exhibiting such attributes. Chemotactic andchemokinetic receptor activation can be used to mobilize or attract adesired cell population to a desired site of action. Chemotactic orchemokinetic compositions (e.g. proteins, antibodies, binding partners,or modulators of the invention) provide particular advantages intreatment of wounds and other trauma to tissues, as well as in treatmentof localized infections. For example, attraction of lymphocytes,monocytes or neutrophils to tumors or sites of infection may result inimproved immune responses against the tumor or infecting agent.

A protein or peptide has chemotactic activity for a particular cellpopulation if it can stimulate, directly or indirectly, the directedorientation or movement of such cell population. Preferably, the proteinor peptide has the ability to directly stimulate directed movement ofcells. Whether a particular protein has chemotactic activity for apopulation of cells can be readily determined by employing such proteinor peptide in any known assay for cell chemotaxis.

Therapeutic compositions of the invention can be used in the following:

Assays for chemotactic activity (which will identify proteins thatinduce or prevent chemotaxis) consist of assays that measure the abilityof a protein to induce the migration of cells across a membrane as wellas the ability of a protein to induce the adhesion of one cellpopulation to another cell population. Suitable assays for movement andadhesion include, without limitation, those described in: CurrentProtocols in Immunology, Ed by J. E. Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H.Marguiles, E. M. Shevach, W. Strober, Pub. Greene Publishing Associatesand Wiley-Interscience (Chapter 6.12, Measurement of alpha and betaChemokines 6.12.1-6.12.28; Taub et al. J. Clin. Invest. 95:1370-1376,1995; Lind et al. APMIS 103:140-146, 1995; Muller et al Eur. J. Immunol.25:1744-1748; Gruber et al. J. of Immunol. 152:5860-5867, 1994; Johnstonet al. J. of Immunol. 153:1762-1768, 1994.

4.7.9 Hemostatic and Thrombolytic Activity

A polypeptide of the invention may also be involved in hemostatis orthrombolysis or thrombosis. A polynucleotide of the invention can encodea polypeptide exhibiting such attributes. Compositions may be useful intreatment of various coagulation disorders (including hereditarydisorders, such as hemophilias) or to enhance coagulation and otherhemostatic events in treating wounds resulting from trauma, surgery orother causes. A composition of the invention may also be useful fordissolving or inhibiting formation of thromboses and for treatment andprevention of conditions resulting therefrom (such as, for example,infarction of cardiac and central nervous system vessels (e.g., stroke).

Therapeutic compositions of the invention can be used in the following:

Assay for hemostatic and thrombolytic activity include, withoutlimitation, those described in: Linet et al., J. Clin. Pharmacol.26:131-140, 1986; Burdick et al., Thrombosis Res. 45:413-419, 1987;Humphrey et al., Fibrinolysis 5:71-79 (1991); Schaub, Prostaglandins35:467-474, 1988.

4.7.10 Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Polypeptides of the invention may be involved in cancer cell generation,proliferation or metastasis. Detection of the presence or amount ofpolynucleotides or polypeptides of the invention may be useful for thediagnosis and/or prognosis of one or more types of cancer. For example,the presence or increased expression of a polynucleotide/polypeptide ofthe invention may indicate a hereditary risk of cancer, a precancerouscondition, or an ongoing malignancy. Conversely, a defect in the gene orabsence of the polypeptide may be associated with a cancer condition.Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with canceror a predisposition to cancer may also be useful for diagnosis orprognosis.

Cancer treatments promote tumor regression by inhibiting tumor cellproliferation, inhibiting angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels thatis necessary to support tumor growth) and/or prohibiting metastasis byreducing tumor cell motility or invasiveness. Therapeutic compositionsof the invention may be effective in adult and pediatric oncologyincluding in solid phase tumors/malignancies, locally advanced tumors,human soft tissue sarcomas, metastatic cancer, including lymphaticmetastases, blood cell malignancies including multiple myeloma, acuteand chronic leukemias, and lymphomas, head and neck cancers includingmouth cancer, larynx cancer and thyroid cancer, lung cancers includingsmall cell carcinoma and non-small cell cancers, breast cancersincluding small cell carcinoma and ductal carcinoma, gastrointestinalcancers including esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer,colorectal cancer and polyps associated with colorectal neoplasia,pancreatic cancers, liver cancer, urologic cancers including bladdercancer and prostate cancer, malignancies of the female genital tractincluding ovarian carcinoma, uterine (including endometrial) cancers,and solid tumor in the ovarian follicle, kidney cancers including renalcell carcinoma, brain cancers including intrinsic brain tumors,neuroblastoma, astrocytic brain tumors, gliomas, metastatic tumor cellinvasion in the central nervous system, bone cancers including osteomas,skin cancers including malignant melanoma, tumor progression of humanskin keratinocytes, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma,hemangiopericytoma and Karposi's sarcoma.

Polypeptides, polynucleotides, or modulators of polypeptides of theinvention (including inhibitors and stimulators of the biologicalactivity of the polypeptide of the invention) may be administered totreat cancer. Therapeutic compositions can be administered intherapeutically effective dosages alone or in combination with adjuvantcancer therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy,thermotherapy, and laser therapy, and may provide a beneficial effect,e.g. reducing tumor size, slowing rate of tumor growth, inhibitingmetastasis, or otherwise improving overall clinical condition, withoutnecessarily eradicating the cancer.

The composition can also be administered in therapeutically effectiveamounts as a portion of an anti-cancer cocktail. An anti-cancer cocktailis a mixture of the polypeptide or modulator of the invention with oneor more anti-cancer drugs in addition to a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier for delivery. The use of anti-cancer cocktails as a cancertreatment is routine. Anti-cancer drugs that are well known in the artand can be used as a treatment in combination with the polypeptide ormodulator of the invention include: Actinomycin D, Aminoglutethimide,Asparaginase, Bleomycin, Busulfan, Carboplatin, Carmustine,Chlorambucil, Cisplatin (cis-DDP), Cyclophosphamide, Cytarabine HCl(Cytosine arabinoside), Dacarbazine, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin HCl,Doxorubicin HCl, Estramustine phosphate sodium, Etoposide (V16-213),Floxuridine, 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu), Flutamide, Hydroxyurea(hydroxycarbamide), Ifosfamide, Interferon Alpha-2a, InterferonAlpha-2b, Leuprolide acetate (LHRH-releasing factor analog), Lomustine,Mechlorethamine HCl (nitrogen mustard), Melphalan, Mercaptopurine,Mesna, Methotrexate (MTX), Mitomycin, Mitoxantrone HCl, Octreotide,Plicamycin, Procarbazine HCl, Streptozocin, Tamoxifen citrate,Thioguanine, Thiotepa, Vinblastine sulfate, Vincristine sulfate,Amsacrine, Azacitidine, Hexamethylmelamine, Interleukin-2, Mitoguazone,Pentostatin, Semustine, Teniposide, and Vindesine sulfate.

In addition, therapeutic compositions of the invention may be used forprophylactic treatment of cancer. There are hereditary conditions and/orenvironmental situations (e.g. exposure to carcinogens) known in the artthat predispose an individual to developing cancers. Under thesecircumstances, it may be beneficial to treat these individuals withtherapeutically effective doses of the polypeptide of the invention toreduce the risk of developing cancers.

In vitro models can be used to determine the effective doses of thepolypeptide of the invention as a potential cancer treatment. These invitro models include proliferation assays of cultured tumor cells,growth of cultured tumor cells in soft agar (see Freshney, (1987)Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique, Wily-Liss, NewYork, N.Y. Ch 18 and Ch 21), tumor systems in nude mice as described inGiovanella et al., J. Nad. Can. Inst., 52: 921-30 (1974), mobility andinvasive potential of tumor cells in Boyden Chamber assays as describedin Pilkington et al., Anticancer Res., 17: 4107-9 (1997), andangiogenesis assays such as induction of vascularization of the chickchorioallantoic membrane or induction of vascular endothelial cellmigration as described in Ribatta et al., Intl. J. Dev. Biol., 40:1189-97 (1999) and Li et al., Clin. Exp. Metastasis, 17:423-9 (1999),respectively. Suitable tumor cells lines are available, e.g. fromAmerican Type Tissue Culture Collection catalogs.

4.7.11 Receptor/Ligand Activity

A polypeptide of the present invention may also demonstrate activity asreceptor, receptor ligand or inhibitor or agonist of receptor/ligandinteractions. A polynucleotide of the invention can encode a polypeptideexhibiting such characteristics. Examples of such receptors and ligandsinclude, without limitation, cytokine receptors and their ligands,receptor kinases and their ligands, receptor phosphatases and theirligands, receptors involved in cell-cell interactions and their ligands(including without limitation, cellular adhesion molecules (such asselectins, integrins and their ligands) and receptor/ligand pairsinvolved in antigen presentation, antigen recognition and development ofcellular and humoral immune responses. Receptors and ligands are alsouseful for screening of potential peptide or small molecule inhibitorsof the relevant receptor/ligand interaction. A protein of the presentinvention (including, without limitation, fragments of receptors andligands) may themselves be useful as inhibitors of receptor/ligandinteractions.

The activity of a polypeptide of the invention may, among other means,be measured by the following methods:

Suitable assays for receptor-ligand activity include without limitationthose described in: Current Protocols in Immunology, Ed by J. E.Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H. Margulies, E. M. Shevach, W. Strober,Pub. Greene Publishing Associates and Wiley-Interscience (Chapter 7.28,Measurement of Cellular Adhesion under static conditions7.28.1-7.28.22), Takai et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:6864-6868,1987; Bierer et al., J. Exp. Med. 168:1145-1156, 1988; Rosenstein etal., J. Exp. Med. 169:149-160 1989; Stoltenborg et al., J. Immunol.Methods 175:59-68, 1994; Stitt et al., Cell 80:661-670, 1995.

By way of example, the polypeptides of the invention may be used as areceptor for a ligand(s) thereby transmitting the biological activity ofthat ligand(s). Ligands may be identified through binding assays,affinity chromatography, dihybrid screening assays, BIAcore assays, geloverlay assays, or other methods known in the art.

Studies characterizing drugs or proteins as agonist or antagonist orpartial agonists or a partial antagonist require the use of otherproteins as competing ligands. The polypeptides of the present inventionor ligand(s) thereof may be labeled by being coupled to radioisotopes,colorimetric molecules or a toxin molecules by conventional methods.(“Guide to Protein Purification” Murray P. Deutscher (ed) Methods inEnzymology Vol. 182 (1990) Academic Press, Inc. San Diego). Examples ofradioisotopes include, but are not limited to, tritium and carbon-14.Examples of colorimetric molecules include, but are not limited to,fluorescent molecules such as fluorescamine, or rhodamine or othercolorimetric molecules. Examples of toxins include, but are not limited,to ricin.

4.7.12 Drug Screening

This invention is particularly useful for screening chemical compoundsby using the novel polypeptides or binding fragments thereof in any of avariety of drug screening techniques. The polypeptides or fragmentsemployed in such a test may either be free in solution, affixed to asolid support, borne on a cell surface or located intracellularly. Onemethod of drug screening utilizes eukaryotic or prokaryotic host cellswhich are stably transformed with recombinant nucleic acids expressingthe polypeptide or a fragment thereof. Drugs are screened against suchtransformed cells in competitive binding assays. Such cells, either inviable or fixed form, can be used for standard binding assays. One maymeasure, for example, the formation of complexes between polypeptides ofthe invention or fragments and the agent being tested or examine thediminution in complex formation between the novel polypeptides and anappropriate cell line, which are well known in the art.

Sources for test compounds that may be screened for ability to bind toor modulate (i.e., increase or decrease) the activity of polypeptides ofthe invention include (1) inorganic and organic chemical libraries, (2)natural product libraries, and (3) combinatorial libraries comprised ofeither random or mimetic peptides, oligonucleotides or organicmolecules.

Chemical libraries may be readily synthesized or purchased from a numberof commercial sources, and may include structural analogs of knowncompounds or compounds that are identified as “hits” or “leads” vianatural product screening.

The sources of natural product libraries are microorganisms (includingbacteria and fungi), animals, plants or other vegetation, or marineorganisms, and libraries of mixtures for screening may be created by:(1) fermentation and extraction of broths from soil, plant or marinemicroorganisms or (2) extraction of the organisms themselves. Naturalproduct libraries include polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and(non-naturally occurring) variants thereof. For a review, see Science282:63-68 (1998).

Combinatorial libraries are composed of large numbers of peptides,oligonucleotides or organic compounds and can be readily prepared bytraditional automated synthesis methods, PCR, cloning or proprietarysynthetic methods. Of particular interest are peptide andoligonucleotide combinatorial libraries. Still other libraries ofinterest include peptide, protein, peptidomimetic, multiparallelsynthetic collection, recombinatorial, and polypeptide libraries. For areview of combinatorial chemistry and libraries created therefrom, seeMyers, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8:701-707 (1997). For reviews andexamples of peptidomimetic libraries, see Al-Obeidi et al., Mol.Biotechnol, 9(3):205-23 (1998); Hruby et al., Curr Opin Chem Biol, 1(1):114-19 (1997); Dorner et al., Bioorg Med Chem, 4(5):709-15 (1996)(alkylated dipeptides).

Identification of modulators through use of the various librariesdescribed herein permits modification of the candidate “hit” (or “lead”)to optimize the capacity of the “hit” to bind a polypeptide of theinvention. The molecules identified in the binding assay are then testedfor antagonist or agonist activity in in vivo tissue culture or animalmodels that are well known in the art. In brief, the molecules aretitrated into a plurality of cell cultures or animals and then testedfor either cell/animal death or prolonged survival of the animal/cells.

The binding molecules thus identified may be complexed with toxins,e.g., ricin or cholera, or with other compounds that are toxic to cellssuch as radioisotopes. The toxin-binding molecule complex is thentargeted to a tumor or other cell by the specificity of the bindingmolecule for a polypeptide of the invention. Alternatively, the bindingmolecules may be complexed with imaging agents for targeting and imagingpurposes.

4.7.13 Assay for Receptor Activity

The invention also provides methods to detect specific binding of apolypeptide e.g. a ligand or a receptor. The art provides numerousassays particularly useful for identifying previously unknown bindingpartners for receptor polypeptides of the invention. For example,expression cloning using mammalian or bacterial cells, or dihybridscreening assays can be used to identify polynucleotides encodingbinding partners. As another example, affinity chromatography with theappropriate immobilized polypeptide of the invention can be used toisolate polypeptides that recognize and bind polypeptides of theinvention. There are a number of different libraries used for theidentification of compounds, and in particular small molecules, thatmodulate (i.e., increase or decrease) biological activity of apolypeptide of the invention. Ligands for receptor polypeptides of theinvention can also be identified by adding exogenous ligands, orcocktails of ligands to two cells populations that are geneticallyidentical except for the expression of the receptor of the invention:one cell population expresses the receptor of the invention whereas theother does not. The response of the two cell populations to the additionof ligands(s) are then compared. Alternatively, an expression librarycan be co-expressed with the polypeptide of the invention in cells andassayed for an autocrine response to identify potential ligand(s). Asstill another example, BIAcore assays, gel overlay assays, or othermethods known in the art can be used to identify binding partnerpolypeptides, including, (1) organic and inorganic chemical libraries,(2) natural product libraries, and (3) combinatorial libraries comprisedof random peptides, oligonucleotides or organic molecules.

The role of downstream intracellular signaling molecules in thesignaling cascade of the polypeptide of the invention can be determined.For example, a chimeric protein in which the cytoplasmic domain of thepolypeptide of the invention is fused to the extracellular portion of aprotein, whose ligand has been identified, is produced in a host cell.The cell is then incubated with the ligand specific for theextracellular portion of the chimeric protein, thereby activating thechimeric receptor. Known downstream proteins involved in intracellularsignaling can then be assayed for expected modifications i.e.phosphorylation. Other methods known to those in the art can also beused to identify signaling molecules involved in receptor activity.

4.7.14 Leukemias

Leukemias and related disorders may be treated or prevented byadministration of a therapeutic that promotes or inhibits function ofthe polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the invention. Such leukemiasand related disorders include but are not limited to acute leukemia,acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, myeloblastic,promyelocytic, myelomonocytic, monocytic, erythroleukemia, chronicleukemia, chronic myelocytic (granulocytic) leukemia and chroniclymphocytic leukemia (for a review of such disorders, see Fishman etal., 1985, Medicine, 2d Ed., J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia).

4.7.15 Nervous System Disorders

Nervous system disorders, involving cell types which can be tested forefficacy of intervention with compounds that modulate the activity ofthe polynucleotides and/or polypeptides of the invention, and which canbe treated upon thus observing an indication of therapeutic utility,include but are not limited to nervous system injuries, and diseases ordisorders which result in either a disconnection of axons, a diminutionor degeneration of neurons, or demyelination. Nervous system lesionswhich may be treated in a patient (including human and non-humanmammalian patients) according to the invention include but are notlimited to the following lesions of either the central (including spinalcord, brain) or peripheral nervous systems:

(i) traumatic lesions, including lesions caused by physical injury orassociated with surgery, for example, lesions which sever a portion ofthe nervous system, or compression injuries;

(ii) ischemic lesions, in which a lack of oxygen in a portion of thenervous system results in neuronal injury or death, including cerebralinfarction or ischemia, or spinal cord infarction or ischemia;

(iii) infectious lesions, in which a portion of the nervous system isdestroyed or injured as a result of infection, for example, by anabscess or associated with infection by human immunodeficiency virus,herpes zoster, or herpes simplex virus or with Lyme disease,tuberculosis, syphilis;

(iv) degenerative lesions, in which a portion of the nervous system isdestroyed or injured as a result of a degenerative process including butnot limited to degeneration associated with Parkinson's disease,Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea, or amyotrophic lateralsclerosis;

(v) lesions associated with nutritional diseases or disorders, in whicha portion of the nervous system is destroyed or injured by a nutritionaldisorder or disorder of metabolism including but not limited to, vitaminB12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, Wernicke disease, tobacco-alcoholamblyopia, Marchiafava-Bignami disease (primary degeneration of thecorpus callosum), and alcoholic cerebellar degeneration;

(vi) neurological lesions associated with systemic diseases includingbut not limited to diabetes (diabetic neuropathy, Bell's palsy),systemic lupus erythematosus, carcinoma, or sarcoidosis;

(vii) lesions caused by toxic substances including alcohol, lead, orparticular neurotoxins; and

(viii) demyelinated lesions in which a portion of the nervous system isdestroyed or injured by a demyelinating disease including but notlimited to multiple sclerosis, human immunodeficiency virus-associatedmyelopathy, transverse myelopathy or various etiologies, progressivemultifocal leukoencephalopathy, and central pontine myelinolysis.

Therapeutics which are useful according to the invention for treatmentof a nervous system disorder may be selected by testing for biologicalactivity in promoting the survival or differentiation of neurons. Forexample, and not by way of limitation, therapeutics which elicit any ofthe following effects may be useful according to the invention:

(i) increased survival time of neurons in culture;

(ii) increased sprouting of neurons in culture or in vivo;

(iii) increased production of a neuron-associated molecule in culture orin vivo, e.g., choline acetyltransferase or acetylcholinesterase withrespect to motor neurons; or

(iv) decreased symptoms of neuron dysfunction in vivo.

Such effects may be measured by any method known in the art. Inpreferred, non-limiting embodiments, increased survival of neurons maybe measured by the method set forth in Arakawa et al. (1990, J.Neurosci. 10:3507-3515); increased sprouting of neurons may be detectedby methods set forth in Pestronk et al. (1980, Exp. Neurol. 70:65-82) orBrown et al. (1981, Ann. Rev. Neurosci. 4:17-42); increased productionof neuron-associated molecules may be measured by bioassay, enzymaticassay, antibody binding, Northern blot assay, etc., depending on themolecule to be measured; and motor neuron dysfunction may be measured byassessing the physical manifestation of motor neuron disorder, e.g.,weakness, motor neuron conduction velocity, or functional disability.

In specific embodiments, motor neuron disorders that may be treatedaccording to the invention include but are not limited to disorders suchas infarction, infection, exposure to toxin, trauma, surgical damage,degenerative disease or malignancy that may affect motor neurons as wellas other components of the nervous system, as well as disorders thatselectively affect neurons such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, andincluding but not limited to progressive spinal muscular atrophy,progressive bulbar palsy, primary lateral sclerosis, infantile andjuvenile muscular atrophy, progressive bulbar paralysis of childhood(Fazio-Londe syndrome), poliomyelitis and the post polio syndrome, andHereditary Motorsensory Neuropathy (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease).

4.7.16 Other Activities

A polypeptide of the invention may also exhibit one or more of thefollowing additional activities or effects: inhibiting the growth,infection or function of, or killing, infectious agents, including,without limitation, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites;effecting (suppressing or enhancing) bodily characteristics, including,without limitation, height, weight, hair color, eye color, skin, fat tolean ratio or other tissue pigmentation, or organ or body part size orshape (such as, for example, breast augmentation or diminution, changein bone form or shape); effecting biorhythms or circadian cycles orrhythms; effecting the fertility of male or female subjects; effectingthe metabolism, catabolism, anabolism, processing, utilization, storageor elimination of dietary fat, lipid, protein, carbohydrate, vitamins,minerals, co-factors or other nutritional factors or component(s);effecting behavioral characteristics, including, without limitation,appetite, libido, stress, cognition (including cognitive disorders),depression (including depressive disorders) and violent behaviors;providing analgesic effects or other pain reducing effects; promotingdifferentiation and growth of embryonic stem cells in lineages otherthan hematopoietic lineages; hormonal or endocrine activity; in the caseof enzymes, correcting deficiencies of the enzyme and treatingdeficiency-related diseases; treatment of hyperproliferative disorders(such as, for example, psoriasis); immunoglobulin-like activity (suchas, for example, the ability to bind antigens or complement); and theability to act as an antigen in a vaccine composition to raise an immuneresponse against such protein or another material or entity which iscross-reactive with such protein.

4.7.17 Identification of Polymorphisms

The demonstration of polymorphisms makes possible the identification ofsuch polymorphisms in human subjects and the pharmacogenetic use of thisinformation for diagnosis and treatment. Such polymorphisms may beassociated with, e.g., differential predisposition or susceptibility tovarious disease states (such as disorders involving inflammation orimmune response) or a differential response to drug administration, andthis genetic information can be used to tailor preventive or therapeutictreatment appropriately. For example, the existence of a polymorphismassociated with a predisposition to inflammation or autoimmune diseasemakes possible the diagnosis of this condition in humans by identifyingthe presence of the polymorphism.

Polymorphisms can be identified in a variety of ways known in the artwhich all generally involve obtaining a sample from a patient, analyzingDNA from the sample, optionally involving isolation or amplification ofthe DNA, and identifying the presence of the polymorphism in the DNA.For example, PCR may be used to amplify an appropriate fragment ofgenomic DNA which may then be sequenced. Alternatively, the DNA may besubjected to allele-specific oligonucleotide hybridization (in whichappropriate oligonucleotides are hybridized to the DNA under conditionspermitting detection of a single base mismatch) or to a singlenucleotide extension assay (in which an oligonucleotide that hybridizesimmediately adjacent to the position of the polymorphism is extendedwith one or more labeled nucleotides). In addition, traditionalrestriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (using restrictionenzymes that provide differential digestion of the genomic DNA dependingon the presence or absence of the polymorphism) may be performed. Arrayswith nucleotide sequences of the present invention can be used to detectpolymorphisms. The array can comprise modified nucleotide sequences ofthe present invention in order to detect the nucleotide sequences of thepresent invention. In the alternative, any one of the nucleotidesequences of the present invention can be placed on the array to detectchanges from those sequences.

Alternatively a polymorphism resulting in a change in the amino acidsequence could also be detected by detecting a corresponding change inamino acid sequence of the protein, e.g., by an antibody specific to thevariant sequence.

4.7.18 Arthritis and Inflammation

The immunosuppressive effects of the compositions of the inventionagainst rheumatoid arthritis is determined in an experimental animalmodel system. The experimental model system is adjuvant inducedarthritis in rats, and the protocol is described by J. Holoshitz, etal., 1983, Science, 219:56, or by B. Waksman et al., 1963, Int. Arch.Allergy Appl. Immunol., 23:129. Induction of the disease can be causedby a single injection, generally intradermally, of a suspension ofkilled Mycobacterium tuberculosis in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA).The route of injection can vary, but rats may be injected at the base ofthe tail with an adjuvant mixture. The polypeptide is administered inphosphate buffered solution (PBS) at a dose of about 1-5 mg/kg. Thecontrol consists of administering PBS only.

The procedure for testing the effects of the test compound would consistof intradermally injecting killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis in CFAfollowed by immediately administering the test compound and subsequenttreatment every other day until day 24. At 14, 15, 18, 20, 22, and 24days after injection of Mycobacterium CFA, an overall arthritis scoremay be obtained as described by J. Holoskitz above. An analysis of thedata would reveal that the test compound would have a dramatic affect onthe swelling of the joints as measured by a decrease of the arthritisscore.

4.8 Therapeutic Methods

The compositions (including polypeptide fragments, analogs, variants andantibodies or other binding partners or modulators including antisensepolynucleotides) of the invention have numerous applications in avariety of therapeutic methods. Examples of therapeutic applicationsinclude, but are not limited to, those exemplified herein.

4.8.1 Example

One embodiment of the invention is the administration of an effectiveamount of the stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides or othercomposition of the invention to individuals affected by a disease ordisorder that can be modulated by regulating the peptides of theinvention. While the mode of administration is not particularlyimportant, parenteral administration is preferred. An exemplary mode ofadministration is to deliver an intravenous bolus. The dosage of stemcell growth factor-like polypeptides or other composition of theinvention will normally be determined by the prescribing physician. Itis to be expected that the dosage will vary according to the age,weight, condition and response of the individual patient. Typically, theamount of polypeptide administered per dose will be in the range ofabout 0.01 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg of body weight, with the preferred dosebeing about 0.1 g4 kg to 10 mg/kg of patient body weight. For parenteraladministration, stem cell growth factor-like polypeptides of theinvention will be formulated in an injectable form combined with apharmaceutically acceptable parenteral vehicle. Such vehicles are wellknown in the art and examples include water, saline, Ringer's solution,dextrose solution, and solutions consisting of small amounts of thehuman serum albumin. The vehicle may contain minor amounts of additivesthat maintain the isotonicity and stability of the polypeptide or otheractive ingredient. The preparation of such solutions is within the sldllof the art.

4.9 Pharmaceutical Formulations and Routes of Administration

A protein or other composition of the present invention (from whateversource derived, including without limitation from recombinant andnon-recombinant sources and including antibodies and other bindingpartners of the polypeptides of the invention) may be administered to apatient in need, by itself, or in pharmaceutical compositions where itis mixed with suitable carriers or excipient(s) at doses to treat orameliorate a variety of disorders. Such a composition may optionallycontain (in addition to protein or other active ingredient and acarrier) diluents, fillers, salts, buffers, stabilizers, solubilizers,and other materials well known in the art. The term “pharmaceuticallyacceptable” means a non-toxic material that does not interfere with theeffectiveness of the biological activity of the active ingredient(s).The characteristics of the carrier will depend on the route ofadministration. The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may alsocontain cytokines, lymphokines, or other hematopoietic factors such asM-CSF, GM-CSF, TNF, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8,IL-9, IL-10, IL-11, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IFN, TNF0, TNF1, TNF2,G-CSF, Meg-CSF, thrombopoietin, stem cell factor, and erythropoietin. Infurther compositions, proteins of the invention may be combined withother agents beneficial to the treatment of the disease or disorder inquestion. These agents include various growth factors such as epidermalgrowth factor (EGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforminggrowth factors (TGF-α and TGF-β), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), aswell as cytokines described herein.

The pharmaceutical composition may further contain other agents whicheither enhance the activity of the protein or other active ingredient orcomplement its activity or use in treatment. Such additional factorsand/or agents may be included in the pharmaceutical composition toproduce a synergistic effect with protein or other active ingredient ofthe invention, or to minimize side effects. Conversely, protein or otheractive ingredient of the present invention may be included informulations of the particular clotting factor, cytokine, lymphokine,other hematopoietic factor, thrombolytic or anti-thrombotic factor, oranti-inflammatory agent to minimize side effects of the clotting factor,cytokine, lymphokine, other hematopoietic factor, thrombolytic oranti-thrombotic factor, or anti-inflammatory agent (such as IL-1Ra, IL-1Hy1, IL-1 Hy2, anti-TNF, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive agents). Aprotein of the present invention may be active in multimers (e.g.,heterodimers or homodimers) or complexes with itself or other proteins.As a result, pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may comprise aprotein of the invention in such multimeric or complexed form.

As an alternative to being included in a pharmaceutical composition ofthe invention including a first protein, a second protein or atherapeutic agent may be concurrently administered with the firstprotein (e.g., at the same time, or at differing times provided thattherapeutic concentrations of the combination of agents is achieved atthe treatment site). Techniques for formulation and administration ofthe compounds of the instant application may be found in “Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences,” Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., latestedition. A therapeutically effective dose further refers to that amountof the compound sufficient to result in amelioration of symptoms, e.g.,treatment, healing, prevention or amelioration of the relevant medicalcondition, or an increase in rate of treatment, healing, prevention oramelioration of such conditions. When applied to an individual activeingredient, administered alone, a therapeutically effective dose refersto that ingredient alone. When applied to a combination, atherapeutically effective dose refers to combined amounts of the activeingredients that result in the therapeutic effect, whether administeredin combination, serially or simultaneously.

In practicing the method of treatment or use of the present invention, atherapeutically effective amount of protein or other active ingredientof the present invention is administered to a mammal having a conditionto be treated. Protein or other active ingredient of the presentinvention may be administered in accordance with the method of theinvention either alone or in combination with other therapies such astreatments employing cytokines, lymphokines or other hematopoieticfactors. When co-administered with one or more cytokines, lymphokines orother hematopoietic factors, protein or other active ingredient of thepresent invention may be administered either simultaneously with thecytokine(s), lymphokine(s), other hematopoietic factor(s), thrombolyticor anti-thrombotic factors, or sequentially. If administeredsequentially, the attending physician will decide on the appropriatesequence of administering protein or other active ingredient of thepresent invention in combination with cytokine(s), lymphokine(s), otherhematopoietic factor(s), thrombolytic or anti-thrombotic factors.

4.9.1 Routes of Administration

Suitable routes of administration may, for example, include oral,rectal, transmucosal, or intestinal administration; parenteral delivery,including intramuscular, subcutaneous, intramedullary injections, aswell as intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intravenous,intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intraocular injections. Administrationof protein or other active ingredient of the present invention used inthe pharmaceutical composition or to practice the method of the presentinvention can be carried out in a variety of conventional ways, such asoral ingestion, inhalation, topical application or cutaneous,subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, parenteral or intravenous injection.Intravenous administration to the patient is preferred.

Alternately, one may administer the compound in a local rather thansystemic manner, for example, via injection of the compound directlyinto a arthritic joints or in fibrotic tissue, often in a depot orsustained release formulation. In order to prevent the scarring processfrequently occurring as complication of glaucoma surgery, the compoundsmay be administered topically, for example, as eye drops. Furthermore,one may administer the drug in a targeted drug delivery system, forexample, in a liposome coated with a specific antibody, targeting, forexample, arthritic or fibrotic tissue. The liposomes will be targeted toand taken up selectively by the afflicted tissue.

The polypeptides of the invention are administered by any route thatdelivers an effective dosage to the desired site of action. Thedetermination of a suitable route of administration and an effectivedosage for a particular indication is within the level of skill in theart. Preferably for wound treatment, one administers the therapeuticcompound directly to the site. Suitable dosage ranges for thepolypeptides of the invention can be extrapolated from these dosages orfrom similar studies in appropriate animal models. Dosages can then beadjusted as necessary by the clinician to provide maximal therapeuticbenefit.

4.9.2 Compositions/Formulations

Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with the presentinvention thus may be formulated in a conventional manner using one ormore physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients andauxiliaries which facilitate processing of the active compounds intopreparations which can be used pharmaceutically. These pharmaceuticalcompositions may be manufactured in a manner that is itself known, e.g.,by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making,levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizingprocesses. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route ofadministration chosen. When a therapeutically effective amount ofprotein or other active ingredient of the present invention isadministered orally, protein or other active ingredient of the presentinvention will be in the form of a tablet, capsule, powder, solution orelixir. When administered in tablet form, the pharmaceutical compositionof the invention may additionally contain a solid carrier such as agelatin or an adjuvant. The tablet, capsule, and powder contain fromabout 5 to 95% protein or other active ingredient of the presentinvention, and preferably from about 25 to 90% protein or other activeingredient of the present invention. When administered in liquid form, aliquid carrier such as water, petroleum, oils of animal or plant originsuch as peanut oil, mineral oil, soybean oil, or sesame oil, orsynthetic oils may be added. The liquid form of the pharmaceuticalcomposition may further contain physiological saline solution, dextroseor other saccharide solution, or glycols such as ethylene glycol,propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol. When administered in liquidform, the pharmaceutical composition contains from about 0.5 to 90% byweight of protein or other active ingredient of the present invention,and preferably from about 1 to 50% protein or other active ingredient ofthe present invention.

When a therapeutically effective amount of protein or other activeingredient of the present invention is administered by intravenous,cutaneous or subcutaneous injection, protein or other active ingredientof the present invention will be in the form of a pyrogen-free,parenterally acceptable aqueous solution. The preparation of suchparenterally acceptable protein or other active ingredient solutions,having due regard to pH, isotonicity, stability, and the like, is withinthe still in the art. A preferred pharmaceutical composition forintravenous, cutaneous, or subcutaneous injection should contain, inaddition to protein or other active ingredient of the present invention,an isotonic vehicle such as Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringer'sInjection, Dextrose Injection, Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection,Lactated Ringer's Injection, or other vehicle as known in the art. Thepharmaceutical composition of the present invention may also containstabilizers, preservatives, buffers, antioxidants, or other additivesknown to those of skill in the arL For injection, the agents of theinvention may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably inphysiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks's solution, Ringer'ssolution, or physiological saline buffer. For transmucosaladministration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeatedare used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in theart.

For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated readily bycombining the active compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable carrierswell known in the art. Such carriers enable the compounds of theinvention to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules,liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, for oralingestion by a patient to be treated. Pharmaceutical preparations fororal use can be obtained solid excipient, optionally grinding aresulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after addingsuitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores.Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars,including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulosepreparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, ricestarch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose,hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/orpolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may beadded, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginicacid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate. Dragee cores areprovided with suitable coatings. For this purpose, concentrated sugarsolutions may be used, which may optionally contain gum arabic, talc,polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carbopol gel, polyethylene glycol, and/ortitanium dioxide, lacquer solutions, and suitable organic solvents orsolvent mixtures. Dyestuffs or pigments may be added to the tablets ordragee coatings for identification or to characterize differentcombinations of active compound doses.

Pharmaceutical preparations which can be used orally include push-fitcapsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made ofgelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fitcapsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with fillersuch as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such astalc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In softcapsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitableliquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethyleneglycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added All formulations for oraladministration should be in dosages suitable for such administration.For buccal administration, the compositions may take the form of tabletsor lozenges formulated in conventional manner.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to thepresent invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosolspray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebuliser, with the useof a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane,trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafiuoroethane, carbon dioxide orother suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unitmay be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount.Capsules and cartridges of, e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler orinsufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compoundand a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch. The compounds maybe formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolusinjection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may bepresented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampules or in multi-dosecontainers, with an added preservative. The compositions may take suchforms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueousvehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending,stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.

Pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral administration includeaqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form.Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared asappropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents orvehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acidesters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueousinjection suspensions may contain substances which increase theviscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose,sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also containsuitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of thecompounds to allow for the preparation of highly concentrated solutions.Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form forconstitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile pyrogen-free water,before use.

The compounds may also be formulated in rectal compositions such assuppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventionalsuppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides. In additionto the formulations described previously, the compounds may also beformulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may beadministered by implantation (for example subcutaneously orintramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, thecompounds may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobicmaterials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ionexchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as asparingly soluble salt.

A pharmaceutical carrier for the hydrophobic compounds of the inventionis a co-solvent system comprising benzyl alcohol, a nonpolar surfactant,a water-miscible organic polymer, and an aqueous phase. The co-solventsystem may be the VPD co-solvent system. VPD is a solution of 3% w/vbenzyl alcohol, 8% w/v of the nonpolar surfactant polysorbate 80, and65% w/v polyethylene glycol 300, made up to volume in absolute ethanol.The VPD co-solvent system (VPD:5 W) consists of VPD diluted 1:1 with a5% dextrose in water solution. This co-solvent system dissolveshydrophobic compounds well, and itself produces low toxicity uponsystemic administration. Naturally, the proportions of a co-solventsystem may be varied considerably without destroying its solubility andtoxicity characteristics. Furthermore, the identity of the co-solventcomponents may be varied: for example, other low-toxicity nonpolarsurfactants may be used instead of polysorbate 80; the fraction size ofpolyethylene glycol may be varied; other biocompatible polymers mayreplace polyethylene glycol, e.g. polyvinyl pyrrolidone; and othersugars or polysaccharides may substitute for dextrose. Alternatively,other delivery systems for hydrophobic pharmaceutical compounds may beemployed. Liposomes and emulsions are well known examples of deliveryvehicles or carriers for hydrophobic drugs. Certain organic solventssuch as dimethylsulfoxide also may be employed, although usually at thecost of greater toxicity. Additionally, the compounds may be deliveredusing a sustained-release system, such as semipermeable matrices ofsolid hydrophobic polymers containing the therapeutic agent. Varioustypes of sustained-release materials have been established and are wellknown by those skilled in the art. Sustained-release capsules may,depending on their chemical nature, release the compounds for a fewweeks up to over 100 days. Depending on the chemical nature and thebiological stability of the therapeutic reagent, additional strategiesfor protein or other active ingredient stabilization may be employed.

The pharmaceutical compositions also may comprise suitable solid or gelphase carriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipientsinclude but are not limited to calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate,various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymerssuch as polyethylene glycols. Many of the active ingredients of theinvention may be provided as salts with pharmaceutically compatiblecounter ions. Such pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts arethose salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties ofthe free acids and which are obtained by reaction with inorganic ororganic bases such as sodium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, ammonia,trialkylamine, dialkylamine, monoalkylamine, dibasic amino acids, sodiumacetate, potassium benzoate, triethanol amine and the like.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be in the form of acomplex of the protein(s) or other active ingredient of presentinvention along with protein or peptide antigens. The protein and/orpeptide antigen will deliver a stimulatory signal to both B and Tlymphocytes. B lymphocytes will respond to antigen through their surfaceimmunoglobulin receptor. T lymphocytes will respond to antigen throughthe T cell receptor (TCR) following presentation of the antigen by MHCproteins. MHC and structurally related proteins including those encodedby class I and class II MHC genes on host cells will serve to presentthe peptide antigen(s) to T lymphocytes. The antigen components couldalso be supplied as purified MHC-peptide complexes alone or withco-stimulatory molecules that can directly signal T cells. Alternativelyantibodies able to bind surface immunoglobulin and other molecules on Bcells as well as antibodies able to bind the TCR and other molecules onT cells can be combined with the pharmaceutical composition of theinvention.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be in the form of aliposome in which protein of the present invention is combined, inaddition to other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, with amphipathicagents such as lipids which exist in aggregated form as micelles,insoluble monolayers, liquid crystals, or lamellar layers in aqueoussolution. Suitable lipids for liposomal formulation include, withoutlimitation, monoglycerides, diglycerides, sulfatides, lysolecithins,phospholipids, saponin, bile acids, and the like. Preparation of SuchLiposomal Formulations is within the Level of Skill in the Art, asDisclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,235,871; 4,501,728;4,837,028; and 4,737,323, all of which are incorporated herein byreference.

The amount of protein or other active ingredient of the presentinvention in the pharmaceutical composition of the present inventionwill depend upon the nature and severity of the condition being treated,and on the nature of prior treatments which the patient has undergone.Ultimately, the attending physician will decide the amount of protein orother active ingredient of the present invention with which to treateach individual patient. Initially, the attending physician willadminister low doses of protein or other active ingredient of thepresent invention and observe the patient's response. Larger doses ofprotein or other active ingredient of the present invention may beadministered until the optimal therapeutic effect is obtained for thepatient, and at that point the dosage is not increased further. It iscontemplated that the various pharmaceutical compositions used topractice the method of the present invention should contain about 0.01μg to about 100 mg (preferably about 0.1 μg to about 10 mg, morepreferably about 0.1 μg to about 1 mg) of protein or other activeingredient of the present invention per kg body weight. For compositionsof the present invention which are useful for bone, cartilage, tendon orligament regeneration, the therapeutic method includes administering thecomposition topically, systematically, or locally as an implant ordevice. When administered, the therapeutic composition for use in thisinvention is, of course, in a pyrogen-free, physiologically acceptableform. Further, the composition may desirably be encapsulated or injectedin a viscous form for delivery to the site of bone, cartilage or tissuedamage. Topical administration may be suitable for wound healing andtissue repair. Therapeutically useful agents other than a protein orother active ingredient of the invention which may also optionally beincluded in the composition as described above, may alternatively oradditionally, be administered simultaneously or sequentially with thecomposition in the methods of the invention. Preferably for bone and/orcartilage formation, the composition would include a matrix capable ofdelivering the protein-containing or other active ingredient-containingcomposition to the site of bone and/or cartilage damage, providing astructure for the developing bone and cartilage and optimally capable ofbeing resorbed into the body. Such matrices may be formed of materialspresently in use for other implanted medical applications.

The choice of matrix material is based on biocompatibility,biodegradability, mechanical properties, cosmetic appearance andinterface properties. The particular application of the compositionswill define the appropriate formulation. Potential matrices for thecompositions may be biodegradable and chemically defined calciumsulfate, tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, polylactic acid,polyglycolic acid and polyanhydrides. Other potential materials arebiodegradable and biologically well-defined, such as bone or dermalcollagen. Further matrices are comprised of pure proteins orextracellular matrix components. Other potential matrices arenonbiodegradable and chemically defined, such as sinteredhydroxyapatite, bioglass, aluminates, or other ceramics. Matrices may becomprised of combinations of any of the above mentioned types ofmaterial, such as polylactic acid and hydroxyapatite or collagen andtricalcium phosphate. The biocerarnics may be altered in composition,such as in calcium-aluminate-phosphate and processing to alter poresize, particle size, particle shape, and biodegradability. Presentlypreferred is a 50:50 (mole weight) copolymer of lactic acid and glycolicacid in the form of porous particles having diameters ranging from 150to 800 microns. In some applications, it will be useful to utilize asequestering agent, such as carboxymethyl cellulose or autologous bloodclot, to prevent the protein compositions from disassociating from thematrix.

A preferred family of sequestering agents is cellulosic materials suchas allylcelluloses (including hydroxyalkylcelluloses), includingmethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, andcarboxymethylcellulose, the most preferred being cationic salts ofcarboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Other preferred sequestering agentsinclude hyaluronic acid, sodium alginate, poly(ethylene glycol),polyoxyethylene oxide, carboxyvinyl polymer and poly(vinyl alcohol). Theamount of sequestering agent useful herein is 0.5-20 wt %, preferably1-10 wt % based on total formulation weight, which represents the amountnecessary to prevent desorption of the protein from the polymer matrixand to provide appropriate handling of the composition, yet not so muchthat the progenitor cells are prevented from infiltrating the matrix,thereby providing the protein the opportunity to assist the osteogenicactivity of the progenitor cells. In further compositions, proteins orother active ingredient of the invention may be combined with otheragents beneficial to the treatment of the bone and/or cartilage defect,wound, or tissue in question. These agents include various growthfactors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet derived growthfactor (PDGF), transforming growth factors (TGF-α and TGF-β), andinsulin-like growth factor (IGF).

The therapeutic compositions are also presently valuable for veterinaryapplications. Particularly domestic animals and thoroughbred horses, inaddition to humans, are desired patients for such treatment withproteins or other active ingredient of the present invention. The dosageregimen of a protein-containing pharmaceutical composition to be used intissue regeneration will be determined by the attending physicianconsidering various factors which modify the action of the proteins,e.g., amount of tissue weight desired to be formed, the site of damage,the condition of the damaged tissue, the size of a wound, type ofdamaged tissue (e.g., bone), the patient's age, sex, and diet, theseverity of any infection, time of administration and other clinicalfactors. The dosage may vary with the type of matrix used in thereconstitution and with inclusion of other proteins in thepharmaceutical composition. For example, the addition of other knowngrowth factors, such as IGF I (insulin like growth factor I), to thefinal composition, may also effect the dosage. Progress can be monitoredby periodic assessment of tissue/bone growth and/or repair, for example,X-rays, histomorphometric determinations and tetracycline labeling.

Polynucleotides of the present invention can also be used for genetherapy. Such polynucleotides can be introduced either in vivo or exvivo into cells for expression in a mammalian subject. Polynucleotidesof the invention may also be administered by other known methods forintroduction of nucleic acid into a cell or organism (including, withoutlimitation, in the form of viral vectors or naked DNA). Cells may alsobe cultured ex vivo in the presence of proteins of the present inventionin order to proliferate or to produce a desired effect on or activity insuch cells. Treated cells can then be introduced in vivo for therapeuticpurposes.

4.9.3 Effective Dosage

Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in the present inventioninclude compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in aneffective amount to achieve its intended purpose. More specifically, atherapeutically effective amount means an amount effective to preventdevelopment of or to alleviate the existing symptoms of the subjectbeing treated. Determination of the effective amount is well within thecapability of those skilled in the art, especially in light of thedetailed disclosure provided herein. For any compound used in the methodof the invention, the therapeutically effective dose can be estimatedinitially from appropriate in vitro assays. For example, a dose can beformulated in animal models to achieve a circulating concentration rangethat can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.For example, a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve acirculating concentration range that includes the IC₅₀ as determined incell culture (i.e., the concentration of the test compound whichachieves a half-maximal inhibition of the protein's biologicalactivity). Such information can be used to more accurately determineuseful doses in humans.

A therapeutically effective dose refers to that amount of the compoundthat results in amelioration of symptoms or a prolongation of survivalin a patient. Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can bedetermined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures orexperimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD₅₀ (the dose lethal to50% of the population) and the ED₅₀ (the dose therapeutically effectivein 50% of the population). The dose ratio between toxic and therapeuticeffects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratiobetween LD₅₀ and ED₅₀. Compounds which exhibit high therapeutic indicesare preferred. The data obtained from these cell culture assays andanimal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use inhuman. The dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range ofcirculating concentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or notoxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon thedosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The exactformulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by theindividual physician in view of the patient's condition. See, e.g.,Fingl et al., 1975, in “The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics”, Ch.1 p.1. Dosage amount and interval may be adjusted individually toprovide plasma levels of the active moiety which are sufficient tomaintain the desired effects, or minimal effective concentration (MEC).The MEC will vary for each compound but can be estimated from in vitrodata. Dosages necessary to achieve the MEC will depend on individualcharacteristics and route of administration. However, HPLC assays orbioassays can be used to determine plasma concentrations.

Dosage intervals can also be determined using MEC value. Compoundsshould be administered using a regimen which maintains plasma levelsabove the MEC for 10-90% of the time, preferably between 30-90% and mostpreferably between 50-90%. In cases of local administration or selectiveuptake, the effective local concentration of the drug may not be relatedto plasma concentration.

An exemplary dosage regimen for polypeptides or other compositions ofthe invention will be in the range of about 0.01 μg/kg to 100 mg/kg ofbody weight daily, with the preferred dose being about 0.1 μg/kg to 25mg/kg of patient body weight daily, varying in adults and children.Dosing may be once daily, or equivalent doses may be delivered at longeror shorter intervals.

The amount of composition administered will, of course, be dependent onthe subject being treated, on the subject's age and weight, the severityof the affliction, the manner of administration and the judgment of theprescribing physician.

4.9.4 Packaging

The compositions may, if desired, be presented in a pack or dispenserdevice which may contain one or more unit dosage forms containing theactive ingredient. The pack may, for example, comprise metal or plasticfoil, such as a blister pack. The pack or dispenser device may beaccompanied by instructions for administration. Compositions comprisinga compound of the invention formulated in a compatible pharmaceuticalcarrier may also be prepared, placed in an appropriate container, andlabeled for treatment of an indicated condition.

4.10 Antibodies

4.10.1 Human Antibodies

Fully human antibodies relate to antibody molecules in which essentiallythe entire sequences of both the light chain and the heavy chain,including the CDRs, arise from human genes. Such antibodies are termed“human antibodies”, or “fully human antibodies” herein. Human monoclonalantibodies can be prepared by the trioma technique; the human B-cellhybridoma technique (see Kozbor, et al., 1983 Immunol Today 4: 72) andthe EBV hybridoma technique to produce human monoclonal antibodies (seeCole, et al., 1985 In: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND CANCER THERAPY, Alan R.Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96). Human monoclonal antibodies may be utilized inthe practice of the present invention and may be produced by using humanhybridomas (see Cote, et al., 1983. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 80:2026-2030) or by transforming human B-cells with Epstein Barr Virus invitro (see Cole, et al., 1985 In: MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND CANCERTHERAPY, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp. 77-96).

In addition, human antibodies can also be produced using additionaltechniques, including phage display libraries (Hoogenboom and Winter, J.Mol. Biol., 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222:581(1991)). Similarly, human antibodies can be made by introducing humanimmunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g., mice in which theendogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completelyinactivated. Upon challenge, human antibody production is observed,which closely resembles that seen in humans in all respects, includinggene rearrangement, assembly, and antibody repertoire. This approach isdescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806;5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; 5,661,016, and in Marks et al.(Bio/Technology 10, 779-783 (1992)); Lonberg et al. (Nature 368 856-859(1994)); Morrison (Nature 368, 812-13 (1994)); Fishwild et al, (NatureBiotechnology 14, 845-51 (1996)); Neuberger (Nature Biotechnology 14,826 (1996)); and Lonberg and Huszar (Intern. Rev. Immunol. 13 65-93(1995)).

Human antibodies may additionally be produced using transgenic nonhumananimals which are modified so as to produce fully human antibodiesrather than the animal's endogenous antibodies in response to challengeby an antigen. (See PCT publication WO94/02602). The endogenous genesencoding the heavy and light immunoglobulin chains in the nonhuman hosthave been incapacitated, and active loci encoding human heavy and lightchain immunoglobulins are inserted into the host's genome. The humangenes are incorporated, for example, using yeast artificial chromosomescontaining the requisite human DNA segments. An animal which providesall the desired modifications is then obtained as progeny bycrossbreeding intermediate transgenic animals containing fewer than thefull complement of the modifications. The preferred embodiment of such anonhuman animal is a mouse, and is termed the Xenomouse™ as disclosed inPCT publications WO 96/33735 and WO 96/34096. This animal produces Bcells which secrete fully human immunoglobulins. The antibodies can beobtained directly from the animal after immunization with an immunogenof interest, as, for example, a preparation of a polyclonal antibody, oralternatively from immortalized B cells derived from the animal, such ashybridomas producing monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, the genesencoding the immunoglobulins with human variable regions can berecovered and expressed to obtain the antibodies directly, or can befurther modified to obtain analogs of antibodies such as, for example,single chain Fv molecules.

An example of a method of producing a nonhuman host, exemplified as amouse, lacking expression of an endogenous immunoglobulin heavy chain isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,939,598. It can be obtained by a methodincluding deleting the J segment genes from at least one endogenousheavy chain locus in an embryonic stem cell to prevent rearrangement ofthe locus and to prevent formation of a transcript of a rearrangedimmunoglobulin heavy chain locus, the deletion being effected by atargeting vector containing a gene encoding a selectable marker, andproducing from the embryonic stem cell a transgenic mouse whose somaticand germ cells contain the gene encoding the selectable marker.

A method for producing an antibody of interest, such as a humanantibody, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,771. It includesintroducing an expression vector that contains a nucleotide sequenceencoding a heavy chain into one mammalian host cell in culture,introducing an expression vector containing a nucleotide sequenceencoding a light chain into another mammalian host cell, and fusing thetwo cells to form a hybrid cell. The hybrid cell expresses an antibodycontaining the heavy chain and the light chain.

In a further improvement on this procedure, a method for identifying aclinically relevant epitope on an immunogen, and a correlative methodfor selecting an antibody that binds immunospecifically to the relevantepitope with high affinity, are disclosed in PCT publication WO99/53049.

4.10.2 Fab Fragments and Single Chain Antibodies

According to the invention, techniques can be adapted for the productionof single-chain antibodies specific to an antigenic protein of theinvention (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,778). In addition, methods canbe adapted for the construction of F_(ab) expression libraries (seee.g., Huse, et al., 1989 Science 246: 1275-1281) to allow rapid andeffective identification of monoclonal F_(ab) fragments with the desiredspecificity for a protein or derivatives, fragments, analogs or homologsthereof. Antibody fragments that contain the idiotypes to a proteinantigen may be produced by techniques known in the art including, butnot limited to: (i) an F_((ab′)2) fragment produced by pepsin digestionof an antibody molecule; (ii) an F_(ab) fragment generated by reducingthe disulfide bridges of an F_((ab′)2) fragment; (iii) an F_(ab)fragment generated by the treatment of the antibody molecule with papainand a reducing agent and (iv) F_(v) fragments.

4.10.3 Bispecific Antibodies

Bispecific antibodies are monoclonal, preferably human or humanized,antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two differentantigens. In the present case, one of the binding specificities is foran antigenic protein of the invention. The second binding target is anyother antigen, and advantageously is a cell-surface protein or receptoror receptor subunit.

Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the artTraditionally, the recombinant production of bispecific antibodies isbased on the co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy-chain/light-chainpairs, where the two heavy chains have different specificities (Milsteinand Cuello, Nature, 305:537-539 (1983)). Because of the randomassortment of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, these hybridomas(quadromas) produce a potential mixture of ten different antibodymolecules, of which only one has the correct bispecific structure. Thepurification of the correct molecule is usually accomplished by affinitychromatography steps. Similar procedures are disclosed in WO 93/08829,published 13 May 1993, and in Traunecker et al., 1991 EMBO J.,10:3655-3659.

Antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities(antibody-antigen combining sites) can be fused to immunoglobulinconstant domain sequences. The fusion preferably is with animmunoglobulin heavy-chain constant domain, comprising at least part ofthe hinge, CH2, and CH3 regions. It is preferred to have the firstheavychain constant region (CH1) containing the site necessary forlight-chain binding present in at least one of the fusions. DNAsencoding the immunoglobulin heavy-chain fusions and, if desired, theimmunoglobulin light chain, are inserted into separate expressionvectors, and are co-transfected into a suitable host organism. Forfurther details of generating bispecific antibodies see, for example,Suresh et al., Methods in Enzymology, 121:210 (1986).

According to another approach described in WO 96/27011, the interfacebetween a pair of antibody molecules can be engineered to maximize thepercentage of heterodimers which are recovered from recombinant cellculture. The preferred interface comprises at least a part of the CH3region of an antibody constant domain. In this method, one or more smallamino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody moleculeare replaced with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan).Compensatory “cavities” of identical or similar size to the large sidechain(s) are created on the interface of the second antibody molecule byreplacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanineor threonine). This provides a mechanism for increasing the yield of theheterodimer over other unwanted end-products such as homodimers.

Bispecific antibodies can be prepared as full-length antibodies orantibody fragments (e.g. F_((ab′)) ₂ bispecific antibodies). Techniquesfor generating bispecific antibodies from antibody fragments have beendescribed in the literature. For example, bispecific antibodies can beprepared using chemical linkage. Brennan et al., Science 229:81 (1985)describe a procedure wherein intact antibodies are proteolyticallycleaved to generate F(ab′)₂ fragments. These fragments are reduced inthe presence of the dithiol complexing agent sodium arsenite tostabilize vicinal dithiols and prevent intermolecular disulfideformation. The Fab′ fragments generated are then converted tothionitrobenzoate (TNB) derivatives. One of the Fab′-TNB derivatives isthen reconverted to the Fab′-thiol by reduction with mercaptoethylamineand is mixed with an equimolar amount of the other Fab′-TNB derivativeto form the bispecific antibody. The bispecific antibodies produced canbe used as agents for the selective immobilization of enzymes.

Additionally, Fab′ fragments can be directly recovered from E. coli andchemically coupled to form bispecific antibodies. Shalaby et al., J.Exp. Med. 175:217-225 (1992) describe the production of a fullyhumanized bispecific antibody F(ab′)₂ molecule. Each Fab′ fragment wasseparately secreted from E. coli and subjected to directed chemicalcoupling in vitro to form the bispecific antibody. The bispecificantibody thus formed was able to bind to cells overexpressing the ErbB2receptor and normal human T cells, as well as trigger the lytic activityof human cytotoxic lymphocytes against human breast tumor targets.

Various techniques for making and isolating bispecific antibodyfragments directly from recombinant cell culture have also beendescribed. For example, bispecific antibodies have been produced usingleucine zippers. Kostelny et al., J. Immunol. 148(5):1547-1553 (1992).The leucine zipper peptides from the Fos and Jun proteins were linked tothe Fab′ portions of two different antibodies by gene fusion. Theantibody homodimers were reduced at the hinge region to form monomersand then re-oxidized to form the antibody heterodimers. This method canalso be utilized for the production of antibody homodimers. The“diabody” technology described by Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 90:6444-6448 (1993) has provided an alternative mechanism formaking bispecific antibody fragments. The fragments comprise aheavy-chain variable domain (V_(H)) connected to a light-chain variabledomain (V_(L)) by a linker which is too short to allow pairing betweenthe two domains on the same chain. Accordingly, the V_(H) and V_(L)domains of one fragment are forced to pair with the complementary V_(L)and V_(H) domains of another fragment, thereby forming twoantigen-binding sites. Another strategy for making bispecific antibodyfragments by the use of single-chain Fv (sFv) dimers has also beenreported. See, Gruber et al., J. Immunol. 152:5368 (1994).

Antibodies with more than two valencies are contemplated. For example,trispecific antibodies can be prepared. Tutt et al., J. Immunol. 147:60(1991).

Exemplary bispecific antibodies can bind to two different epitopes, atleast one of which originates in the protein antigen of the invention.Alternatively, an anti-antigenic arm of an immunoglobulin molecule canbe combined with an arm which binds to a triggering molecule on aleukocyte such as a T-cell receptor molecule (e.g. CD2, CD3, CD28, orB7), or Fc receptors for IgG (FcγR), such as FcγRI (CD64), FcγRII (CD32)and FcγRIII (CD 16) so as to focus cellular defense mechanisms to thecell expressing the particular antigen. Bispecific antibodies can alsobe used to direct cytotoxic agents to cells which express a particularantigen. These antibodies possess an antigen-binding arm and an armwhich binds a cytotoxic agent or a radionuclide chelator, such asEOTUBE, DPTA, DOTA, or TETA. Another bispecific antibody of interestbinds the protein antigen described herein and further binds tissuefactor (TF).

4.10.4 Heteroconjugate Antibodies

Heteroconjugate antibodies are also within the scope of the presentinvention. Heteroconjugate antibodies are composed of two covalentlyjoined antibodies. Such antibodies have, for example, been proposed totarget immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980),and for treatment of HIV infection (WO 91/00360; WO 92/200373; EP03089). It is contemplated that the antibodies can be prepared in vitrousing known methods in synthetic protein chemistry, including thoseinvolving crosslinking agents. For example, immunotoxins can beconstructed using a disulfide exchange reaction or by forming athioether bond. Examples of suitable reagents for this purpose includeiminothiolate and methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate and those disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980.

4.10.5 Effector Function Engineering

It can be desirable to modify the antibody of the invention with respectto effector function, so as to enhance, e.g., the effectiveness of theantibody in treating cancer. For example, cysteine residue(s) can beintroduced into the Pc region, thereby allowing interchain disulfidebond formation in this region. The homodimeric antibody thus generatedcan have improved internalization capability and/or increasedcomplement-mediated cell killing and antibody-dependent cellularcytotoxicity (ADCC). See Caron et al., J. Exp Med., 176: 1191-1195(1992) and Shopes, J. Immunol., 148: 2918-2922 (1992). Homodimericantibodies with enhanced anti-tumor activity can also be prepared usingheterobifunctional cross-linkers as described in Wolff et al. CancerResearch, 53: 2560-2565 (1993). Alternatively, an antibody can beengineered that has dual Fc regions and can thereby have enhancedcomplement lysis and ADCC capabilities. See Stevenson et al.,Anti-Cancer Drug Design, 3: 219-230 (1989).

4.10.6 Immunoconjugates

The invention also pertains to immunoconjugates comprising an antibodyconjugated to a cytotoxic agent such as a chemotherapeutic agent, toxin(e.g., an enzymatically active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant, oranimal origin, or fragments thereof), or a radioactive isotope (i.e., aradioconjugate).

Chemotherapeutic agents useful in the generation of suchimmunoconjugates have been described above. Enzymatically active toxinsand fragments thereof that can be used include diphtheria A chain,nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A chain (fromPseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain, abrin A chain, modeccin A chain,alpha-sarcin, Aleurites fordii proteins, dianthin proteins, Phytolacaamericana proteins (PAPI, PAPII, and PAP-S), momordica charantiainhibitor, curcin, crotin, sapaonaria officinalis inhibitor, gelonin,mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin, enomycin, and the tricothecenes. Avariety of radionuclides are available for the production ofradioconjugated antibodies. Examples include ²¹²Bi, ¹³¹I, ¹³¹In, ⁹⁰Y,and ¹⁸⁶Re.

Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent are made using a varietyof bifunctional protein-coupling agents such asN-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithiol) propionate (SPDP), iminothiolane(IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such as dimethyladipimidate HCL), active esters (such as disuccinimidyl suberate),aldehydes (such as glutareldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such asbis(p-azidobenzoyl)hexanediamine), bis-diazonium derivatives (such asbis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such astolyene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For example, a ricin immunotoxin canbe prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science, 238: 1098 (1987).Carbon-14-labeled 1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent forconjugation of radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO94/11026.

In another embodiment, the antibody can be conjugated to a “receptor”(such streptavidin) for utilization in tumor pretargeting wherein theantibody-receptor conjugate is administered to the patient, followed byremoval of unbound conjugate from the circulation using a clearing agentand then administration of a “ligand” (e.g., avidin) that is in turnconjugated to a cytotoxic agent.

4.11 Computer Readable Sequences

In one application of this embodiment, a nucleotide sequence of thepresent invention can be recorded on computer readable media. As usedherein, “computer readable media” refers to any medium which can be readand accessed directly by a computer. Such media include, but are notlimited to: magnetic storage media, such as floppy discs, hard discstorage medium, and magnetic tape; optical storage media such as CD-ROM;electrical storage media such as RAM and ROM; and hybrids of thesecategories such as magnetic/optical storage media. A skilled artisan canreadily appreciate how any of the presently known computer readablemediums can be used to create a manufacture comprising computer readablemedium having recorded thereon a nucleotide sequence of the presentinvention. As used herein, “recorded” refers to a process for storinginformation on computer readable medium. A skilled artisan can readilyadopt any of the presently known methods for recording information oncomputer readable medium to generate manufactures comprising thenucleotide sequence information of the present invention.

A variety of data storage structures are available to a skilled artisanfor creating a computer readable medium having recorded thereon anucleotide sequence of the present invention. The choice of the datastorage structure will generally be based on the means chosen to accessthe stored information. In addition, a variety of data processorprograms and formats can be used to store the nucleotide sequenceinformation of the present invention on computer readable medium. Thesequence information can be represented in a word processing text file,formatted in commercially-available software such as WordPerfect andMicrosoft Word, or represented in the form of an ASCII file, stored in adatabase application, such as DB2, Sybase, Oracle, or the like. Askilled artisan can readily adapt any number of data processorstructuring formats (e.g. text file or database) in order to obtaincomputer readable medium having recorded thereon the nucleotide sequenceinformation of the present invention.

By providing any of the nucleotide sequences SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10,12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 or a representative fragment thereof; or anucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to any of the nucleotidesequences of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 incomputer readable form, a skilled artisan can routinely access thesequence information for a variety of purposes. Computer software ispublicly available which allows a skilled artisan to access sequenceinformation provided in a computer readable medium. The examples whichfollow demonstrate how software which implements the BLAST (Altschul etal., J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410 (1990)) and BLAZE (Brutlag et al., Comp.Chem. 17:203-207 (1993)) search algorithms on a Sybase system is used toidentify open reading frames (ORFs) within a nucleic acid sequence. SuchORFs may be protein encoding fragments and may be useful in producingcommercially important proteins such as enzymes used in fermentationreactions and in the production of commercially useful metabolites.

As used herein, “a computer-based system” refers to the hardware means,software means, and data storage means used to analyze the nucleotidesequence information of the present invention. The minimum hardwaremeans of the computer-based systems of the present invention comprises acentral processing unit (CPU), input means, output means, and datastorage means. A skilled artisan can readily appreciate that any one ofthe currently available computer-based systems are suitable for use inthe present invention. As stated above, the computer-based systems ofthe present invention comprise a data storage means having storedtherein a nucleotide sequence of the present invention and the necessaryhardware means and software means for supporting and implementing asearch means. As used herein, “data storage means” refers to memorywhich can store nucleotide sequence information of the presentinvention, or a memory access means which can access manufactures havingrecorded thereon the nucleotide sequence information of the presentinvention.

As used herein, “search means” refers to one or more programs which areimplemented on the computer-based system to compare a target sequence ortarget structural motif with the sequence information stored within thedata storage means. Search means are used to identify fragments orregions of a known sequence which match a particular target sequence ortarget motif. A variety of known algorithms are disclosed publicly and avariety of commercially available software for conducting search meansare and can be used in the computer-based systems of the presentinvention. Examples of such software includes, but is not limited to,Smith-Waterman, MacPattern (EMBL), BLASTN and BLASTA (NPOLYPEPTIDEIA). Askilled artisan can readily recognize that any one of the availablealgorithms or implementing software packages for conducting homologysearches can be adapted for use in the present computer-based systems.As used herein, a “target sequence” can be any nucleic acid or aminoacid sequence of six or more nucleotides or two or more amino acids. Askilled artisan can readily recognize that the longer a target sequenceis, the less likely a target sequence will be present as a randomoccurrence in the database. The most preferred sequence length of atarget sequence is from about 10 to 100 amino acids, or from about 30 to300 nucleotide residues. However, it is well recognized that searchesfor commercially important fragments, such as sequence fragmentsinvolved in gene expression and protein processing, may be of shorterlength.

As used herein, “a target structural motif,” or “target motif,” refersto any rationally selected sequence or combination of sequences in whichthe sequence(s) are chosen based on a three-dimensional configurationwhich is formed upon the folding of the target motif. There are avariety of target motifs known in the art. Protein target motifsinclude, but are not limited to, enzyme active sites and signalsequences. Nucleic acid target motifs include, but are not limited to,promoter sequences, hairpin structures and inducible expression elements(protein binding sequences).

4.12 Triple Helix Formation

In addition, the fragments of the present invention, as broadlydescribed, can be used to control gene expression through triple helixformation or antisense DNA or RNA, both of which methods are based onthe binding of a polynucleotide sequence to DNA or RNA. Polynucleotidessuitable for use in these methods are usually 20 to 40 bases in lengthand are designed to be complementary to a region of the gene involved intranscription (triple helix—see Lee et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 6:3073(1979); Cooney et al., Science 15241:456 (1988); and Dervan et al.,Science 251:1360 (1991)) or to the mRNA itself (antisense—Olmmo, J.Neurochem. 56:560 (1991); Oligodeoxynucleotides as Antisense Ihibitorsof Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988)). Triplehelix-formation optimally results in a shut-off of RNA transcriptionfrom DNA, while antisense RNA hybridization blocks translation of anmRNA molecule into polypeptide. Both techniques have been demonstratedto be effective in model systems. Information contained in the sequencesof the present invention is necessary for the design of an antisense ortriple helix oligonucleotide.

4.13 Diagnostic Assays and Kits

The present invention further provides methods to identify the presenceor expression of one of the ORFs of the present invention, or homologthereof, in a test sample, using a nucleic acid probe or antibodies ofthe present invention, optionally conjugated or otherwise associatedwith a suitable label.

In general, methods for detecting a polynucleotide of the invention cancomprise contacting a sample with a compound that binds to and forms acomplex with the polynucleotide for a period sufficient to form thecomplex, and detecting the complex, so that if a complex is detected, apolynucleotide of the invention is detected in the sample. Such methodscan also comprise contacting a sample under stringent hybridizationconditions with nucleic acid primers that anneal to a polynucleotide ofthe invention under such conditions, and amplifying annealedpolynucleotides, so that if a polynucleotide is amplified, apolynucleotide of the invention is detected in the sample.

In general, methods for detecting a polypeptide of the invention cancomprise contacting a sample with a compound that binds to and forms acomplex with the polypeptide for a period sufficient to form thecomplex, and detecting the complex, so that if a complex is detected, apolypeptide of the invention is detected in the sample.

In detail, such methods comprise incubating a test sample with one ormore of the antibodies or one or more of the nucleic acid probes of thepresent invention and assaying for binding of the nucleic acid probes orantibodies to components within the test sample.

Conditions for incubating a nucleic acid probe or antibody with a testsample vary. Incubation conditions depend on the format employed in theassay, the detection methods employed, and the type and nature of thenucleic acid probe or antibody used in the assay. One skilled in the artwill recognize that any one of the commonly available hybridization,amplification or immunological assay formats can readily be adapted toemploy the nucleic acid probes or antibodies of the present invention.Examples of such assays can be found in Chard, T., An Introduction toRadioimmunoassay and Related Techniques, Elsevier Science Publishers,Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1986); Bullock, G. R. et al., Techniques inImmunocytochemistry, Academic Press, Orlando, Fla. Vol. 1 (1982), Vol. 2(1983), Vol. 3 (1985); Tijssen, P., Practice and Theory of immunoassays:Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ElsevierScience Publishers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1985). The test samplesof the present invention include cells, protein or membrane extracts ofcells, or biological fluids such as sputum, blood, serum, plasma, orurine. The test sample used in the above-described method will varybased on the assay format, nature of the detection method and thetissues, cells or extracts used as the sample to be assayed. Methods forpreparing protein extracts or membrane extracts of cells are well knownin the art and can be readily be adapted in order to obtain a samplewhich is compatible with the system utilized.

In another embodiment of the present invention, kits are provided whichcontain the necessary reagents to carry out the assays of the presentinvention. Specifically, the invention provides a compartment kit toreceive, in close confinement, one or more containers which comprises:(a) a first container comprising one of the probes or antibodies of thepresent invention; and (b) one or more other containers comprising oneor more of the following: wash reagents, reagents capable of detectingpresence of a bound probe or antibody.

In detail, a compartment kit includes any kit in which reagents arecontained in separate containers. Such containers include small glasscontainers, plastic containers or strips of plastic or paper. Suchcontainers allows one to efficiently transfer reagents from onecompartment to another compartment such that the samples and reagentsare not cross-contaminated, and the agents or solutions of eachcontainer can be added in a quantitative fashion from one compartment toanother. Such containers will include a container which will accept thetest sample, a container which contains the antibodies used in theassay, containers which contain wash reagents (such as phosphatebuffered saline, Tris-buffers, etc.), and containers which contain thereagents used to detect the bound antibody or probe. Types of detectionreagents include labeled nucleic acid probes, labeled secondaryantibodies, or in the alternative, if the primary antibody is labeled,the enzymatic, or antibody binding reagents which are capable ofreacting with the labeled antibody. One skilled in the art will readilyrecognize that the disclosed probes and antibodies of the presentinvention can be readily incorporated into one of the established kitformats which are well known in the art.

4.14 Medical Imaging

The novel polypeptides and binding partners of the invention are usefulin medical imaging of sites expressing the molecules of the invention(e.g., where the polypeptide of the invention is involved in the immuneresponse, for imaging sites of inflammation or infection). See, e.g.,Kunkel et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,778. Such methods involve chemicalattachment of a labeling or imaging agent, administration of the labeledpolypeptide to a subject in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, andimaging the labeled polypeptide in vivo at the target site.

4.15 Screening Assays

Using the isolated proteins and polynucleotides of the invention, thepresent invention further provides methods of obtaining and identifyingagents which bind to a polypeptide encoded by an ORF corresponding toany of the nucleotide sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10,12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26, or bind to a specific domain of thepolypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid. In detail, said methodcomprises the steps of:

(a) contacting an agent with an isolated protein encoded by an ORF ofthe present invention, or nucleic acid of the invention; and

(b) determining whether the agent binds to said protein or said nucleicacid.

In general, therefore, such methods for identifying compounds that bindto a polynucleotide of the invention can comprise contacting a compoundwith a polynucleotide of the invention for a time sufficient to form apolynucleotide/compound complex, and detecting the complex, so that if apolynucleotide/compound complex is detected, a compound that binds to apolynucleotide of the invention is identified.

Likewise, in general, therefore, such methods for identifying compoundsthat bind to a polypeptide of the invention can comprise contacting acompound with a polypeptide of the invention for a time sufficient toform a polypeptide/compound complex, and detecting the complex, so thatif a polypeptide/compound complex is detected, a compound that binds toa polynucleotide of the invention is identified.

Methods for identifying compounds that bind to a polypeptide of theinvention can also comprise contacting a compound with a polypeptide ofthe invention in a cell for a time sufficient to form apolypeptide/compound complex, wherein the complex drives expression of areceptor gene sequence in the cell, and detecting the complex bydetecting reporter gene sequence expression, so that if apolypeptide/compound complex is detected, a compound that binds apolypeptide of the invention is identified.

Compounds identified via such methods can include compounds whichmodulate the activity of a polypeptide of the invention (that is,increase or decrease its activity, relative to activity observed in theabsence of the compound). Alternatively, compounds identified via suchmethods can include compounds which modulate the expression of apolynucleotide of the invention (that is, increase or decreaseexpression relative to expression levels observed in the absence of thecompound). Compounds, such as compounds identified via the methods ofthe invention, can be tested using standard assays well known to thoseof skill in the art for their ability to modulate activity/expression.

The agents screened in the above assay can be, but are not limited to,peptides, carbohydrates, vitamin derivatives, or other pharmaceuticalagents. The agents can be selected and screened at random or rationallyselected or designed using protein modeling techniques.

For random screening, agents such as peptides, carbohydrates,pharmaceutical agents and the like are selected at random and areassayed for their ability to bind to the protein encoded by the ORF ofthe present invention. Alternatively, agents may be rationally selectedor designed. As used herein, an agent is said to be “rationally selectedor designed” when the agent is chosen based on the configuration of theparticular protein. For example, one skilled in the art can readilyadapt currently available procedures to generate peptides,pharmaceutical agents and the like, capable of binding to a specificpeptide sequence, in order to generate rationally designed antipeptidepeptides, for example see Hurby et al., Application of SyntheticPeptides: Antisense Peptides,” In Synthetic Peptides, A User's Guide, W.H. Freeman, NY (1992), pp. 289-307, and Kaspczak et al., Biochemistry28:9230-8 (1989), or pharmaceutical agents, or the like.

In addition to the foregoing, one class of agents of the presentinvention, as broadly described, can be used to control gene expressionthrough binding to one of the ORFs or EMFs of the present invention. Asdescribed above, such agents can be randomly screened or rationallydesigned/selected. Targeting the ORF or EMF allows a skilled artisan todesign sequence specific or element specific agents, modulating theexpression of either a single ORF or multiple ORFs which rely on thesame EMF for expression control. One class of DNA binding agents areagents which contain base residues which hybridize or form a triplehelix formation by binding to DNA or RNA. Such agents can be based onthe classic phosphodiester, ribonucleic acid backbone, or can be avariety of sulfhydryl or polymeric derivatives which have baseattachment capacity.

Agents suitable for use in these methods usually contain 20 to 40 basesand are designed to be complementary to a region of the gene involved intranscription (triple helix—see Lee et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 6:3073(1979); Cooney et al., Science 241:456 (1988); and Dervan et al.,Science 251:1360 (1991)) or to the mRNA itself (antisense—Okano, J.Neurochem. 56:560 (1991); Oligodeoxynucleotides as Antisense inhibitorsof Gene Expression, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. (1988)). Triplehelix-formation optimally results in a shut-off of RNA transcriptionfrom DNA, while antisense RNA hybridization blocks translation of anmRNA molecule into polypeptide. Both techniques have been demonstratedto be effective in model systems. Information contained in the sequencesof the present invention is necessary for the design of an antisense ortriple helix oligonucleotide and other DNA binding agents.

Agents which bind to a protein encoded by one of the ORFs of the presentinvention can be used as a diagnostic agent Agents which bind to aprotein encoded by one of the ORFs of the present invention can beformulated using known techniques to generate a pharmaceuticalcomposition.

4.16 Use of Nucleic Acids as Probes

Another aspect of the subject invention is to provide forpolypeptide-specific nucleic acid hybridization probes capable ofhybridizing with naturally occurring nucleotide sequences. Thehybridization probes of the subject invention may be derived from any ofthe nucleotide sequences SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or26. Because the corresponding gene is only expressed in a limited numberof tissues, a hybridization probe derived from of any of the nucleotidesequences SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, or 26 can beused as an indicator of the presence of RNA of cell type of such atissue in a sample.

Any suitable hybridization technique can be employed, such as, forexample, in situ hybridization. PCR as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,683,195 and 4,965,188 provides additional uses for oligonucleotidesbased upon the nucleotide sequences. Such probes used in PCR may be ofrecombinant origin, may be chemically synthesized, or a mixture of both.The probe will comprise a discrete nucleotide sequence for the detectionof identical sequences or a degenerate pool of possible sequences foridentification of closely related genomic sequences.

Other means for producing specific hybridization probes for nucleicacids include the cloning of nucleic acid sequences into vectors for theproduction of mRNA probes. Such vectors are known in the art and arecommercially available and may be used to synthesize RNA probes in vitroby means of the addition of the appropriate RNA polymerase as T7 or SP6RNA polymerase and the appropriate radioactively labeled nucleotides.The nucleotide sequences may be used to construct hybridization probesfor mapping their respective genomic sequences. The nucleotide sequenceprovided herein may be mapped to a chromosome or specific regions of achromosome using well known genetic and/or chromosomal mappingtechniques. These techniques include in situ hybridization, linkageanalysis against known chromosomal markers, hybridization screening withlibraries or flow-sorted chromosomal preparations specific to knownchromosomes, and the like. The technique of fluorescent in situhybridization of chromosome spreads has been described, among otherplaces, in Verma et al (1988) Human Chromosomes: A Manual of BasicTechniques, Pergamon Press, New York N.Y.

Fluorescent in situ hybridization of chromosomal preparations and otherphysical chromosome mapping techniques may be correlated with additionalgenetic map data. Examples of genetic map data can be found in the 1994Genome Issue of Science (265:1981f). Correlation between the location ofa nucleic acid on a physical chromosomal map and a specific disease (orpredisposition to a specific disease) may help delimit the region of DNAassociated with that genetic disease. The nucleotide sequences of thesubject invention may be used to detect differences in gene sequencesbetween normal, carrier or affected individuals.

4.17 Preparation of Support Bound Oligonucleotides

Oligonucleotides, i.e., small nucleic acid segments, may be readilyprepared by, for example, directly synthesizing the oligonucleotide bychemical means, as is commonly practiced using an automatedoligonucleotide synthesizer.

Support bound oligonucleotides may be prepared by any of the methodsknown to those of skill in the art using any suitable support such asglass, polystyrene or Teflon. One strategy is to precisely spotoligonucleotides synthesized by standard synthesizers. Immobilizationcan be achieved using passive adsorption (Inouye & Hondo, 1990 J. ClinMicrobiol 28(6) 1462-72); using UV light (Nagata et al., 1985; Dahlen etal., 1987; Morrissey & Collins, Mol. Cell. Probes 1989 3(2) 189-207) orby covalent binding of base modified DNA (Keller et al., 1988; 1989);all references being specifically incorporated herein.

Another strategy that may be employed is the use of the strongbiotin-streptavidin interaction as a linker. For example, Broude et al.(1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91(8) 3072-6 describe the use ofbiotinylated probes, although these are duplex probes, that areimmobilized on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Streptavidin-coatedbeads may be purchased from Dynal, Oslo. Of course, this same linkingchemistry is applicable to coating any surface with streptavidin.Biotinylated probes may be purchased from various sources, such as,e.g., Operon Technologies (Alameda, Calif.).

Nunc Laboratories (Naperville, Ill.) is also selling suitable materialthat could be used. Nunc Laboratories have developed a method by whichDNA can be covalently bound to the microwell surface termed Covalink NH.Covalink NH is a polystyrene surface grafted with secondary amino groups(>NH) that serve as bridge-heads for further covalent coupling. CovaLinkModules may be purchased from Nunc Laoratories. DNA molecules may bebound to CovaLink exclusively at the 5′-end by a phosphoramidate bond,allowing immobilization of more than 1 μmol of DNA (Rasmussen et al,(1991) Anal Biochem 198(1) 13842.

The use of CovaLink NH strips for covalent binding of DNA molecules atthe 5′-end has been described (Rasmussen et al., 1991). In thistechnology, a phosphoramidate bond is employed (Chu et al., 1983 NucleicAcids 11(18) 6513-29). This is beneficial as immobilization using only asingle covalent bond is preferred. The phosphoramidate bond joins theDNA to the CovaLink NH secondary amino groups that are positioned at theend of spacer arms covalently grafted onto the polystyrene surfacethrough a 2 nm long spacer arm. To link an oligonucleotide to CovaLinkNH via an phosphoramidate bond, the oligonucleotide terminus must have a5′-end phosphate group. It is, perhaps, even possible for biotin to becovalently bound to CovaLink and then streptavidin used to bind theprobes.

More specifically, the linkage method includes dissolving DNA in water(7.5 ng/ul) and denaturing for 10 min. at 95° C. and cooling on ice for10 min. Ice-cold 0.1 M 1-methylimidazole, pH 7.0 (1-MeIm₇), is thenadded to a final concentration of 10 mM 1-MeIm₇. A ss DNA solution isthen dispensed into CovaLink NH strips (75 ul/well) standing on ice.

Carbodiimide 0.2 M 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC),dissolved in 10 mM 1-MeIm₇, is made fresh and 25 ul added per well. Thestrips are incubated for 5 hours at 50° C. After incubation the stripsare washed using, e.g., Nunc-Immuno Wash; first the wells are washed 3times, then they are soaked with washing solution for 5 min., andfinally they are washed 3 times (where in the washing solution is 0.4 NNaOH, 0.25% SDS heated to 50° C.).

It is contemplated that a further suitable method for use with thepresent invention is that described in PCT Patent Application WO90/03382 (Southern & Maskos), incorporated herein by reference. Thismethod of preparing an oligonucleotide bound to a support involvesattaching a nucleoside 3′-reagent through the phosphate group by acovalent phosphodiester link to aliphatic hydroxyl groups carried by thesupport. The oligonucleotide is then synthesized on the supportednucleoside and protecting groups removed from the syntheticoligonucleotide chain under standard conditions that do not cleave theoligonucleotide from the support. Suitable reagents include nucleosidephosphoramidite and nucleoside hydrogen phosphorate.

An on-chip strategy for the preparation of DNA probe for the preparationof DNA probe arrays may be employed. For example, addressablelaser-activated photodeprotection may be employed in the chemicalsynthesis of oligonucleotides directly on a glass surface, as describedby Fodor et al. (1991) Science 251(4995) 767-73, incorporated herein byreference. Probes may also be immobilized on nylon supports as describedby Van Ness et al. (1991) Nucleic Acids Res. 19(12) 3345-50; or linkedto Teflon using the method of Duncan & Cavalier (1988) Anal Biochem169(1) 104-8; all references being specifically incorporated herein.

To link an oligonucleotide to a nylon support, as described by Van Nesset al. (1991), requires activation of the nylon surface via alkylationand selective activation of the 5′-amine of oligonucleotides withcyanuric chloride.

One particular way to prepare support bound oligonucleotides is toutilize the light-generated synthesis described by Pease et al, (1994)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91(11) 5022-6. These authors used currentphotolithographic techniques to generate arrays of immobilizedoligonucleotide probes (DNA chips). These methods, in which light isused to direct the synthesis of oligonucleotide probes in high-density,miniaturized arrays, utilize photolabile 5′-protectedN-acyl-deoxynucleoside phosphoramidites, surface linker chemistry andversatile combinatorial synthesis strategies. A matrix of 256 spatiallydefined oligonucleotide probes may be generated in this manner.

4.18 Preparation of Nucleic Acid Fragments

The nucleic acids may be obtained from any appropriate source, such ascDNAs, genomic DNA, chromosomal DNA, microdissected chromosome bands,cosmid or YAC inserts, and RNA, including mRNA without any amplificationsteps. For example, Sambrook et al. (1989) describes three protocols forthe isolation of high molecular weight DNA from mammalian cells (p.9.14-9.23).

DNA fragments may be prepared as clones in M13, plasmid or lambdavectors and/or prepared directly from genomic DNA or cDNA by PCR orother amplification methods. Samples may be prepared or dispensed inmultiwell plates. About 100-1000 ng of DNA samples may be prepared in2-500 ml of final volume.

The nucleic acids would then be fragmented by any of the methods knownto those of skill in the art including, for example, using restrictionenzymes as described at 9.24-9.28 of Sambrook et al (1989), shearing byultrasound and NaOH treatment

Low pressure shearing is also appropriate, as described by Schriefer etal. (1990) Nucleic Acids Res. 18(24) 7455-6. In this method, DNA samplesare passed through a small French pressure cell at a variety of low tointermediate pressures. A lever device allows controlled application oflow to intermediate pressures to the cell. The results of these studiesindicate that low-pressure shearing is a useful alternative to sonic andenzymatic DNA fragmentation methods.

One particularly suitable way for fragmenting DNA is contemplated to bethat using the two base recognition endonuclease, CviJI, described byFitzgerald et al. (1992) Nucleic Acids Res. 20(14) 3753-62. Theseauthors described an approach for the rapid fragmentation andfractionation of DNA into particular sizes that they contemplated to besuitable for shotgun cloning and sequencing.

The restriction endonuclease CviJI normally cleaves the recognitionsequence PuGCPy between the G and C to leave blunt ends. Atypicalreaction conditions, which alter the specificity of this enzyme(CviJI**), yield a quasi-random distribution of DNA fragments form thesmall molecule pUC19 (2688 base pairs). Fitzgerald et al. (1992)quantitatively evaluated the randomness of this fragmentation strategy,using a CviJI** digest of pUC19 that was size fractionated by a rapidgel filtration method and directly ligated, without end repair, to a lacZ minus M13 cloning vector. Sequence analysis of 76 clones showed thatCviJI** restricts pyGCPy and PuGCPu, in addition to PuGCPy sites, andthat new sequence data is accumulated at a rate consistent with randomfragmentation.

As reported in the literature, advantages of this approach compared tosonication and agarose gel fractionation include: smaller amounts of DNAare required (0.2-0.5 ug instead of 2-5 ug); and fewer steps areinvolved (no preligation, end repair, chemical extraction, or agarosegel electrophoresis and elution are needed).

Irrespective of the manner in which the nucleic acid fragments areobtained or prepared, it is important to denature the DNA to give singlestranded pieces available for hybridization. This is achieved byincubating the DNA solution for 2-5 minutes at 80-90° C. The solution isthen cooled quickly to 2° C. to prevent renaturation of the DNAfragments before they are contacted with the chip. Phosphate groups mustalso be removed from genomic DNA by methods known in the art

4.19 Preparation of DNA Arrays

Arrays may be prepared by spotting DNA samples on a support such as anylon membrane. Spotting may be performed by using arrays of metal pins(the positions of which correspond to an array of wells in a microtiterplate) to repeated by transfer of about 20 nl of a DNA solution to anylon membrane. By offset printing, a density of dots higher than thedensity of the wells is achieved. One to 25 dots may be accommodated in1 m², depending on the type of label used. By avoiding spotting in somepreselected number of rows and columns, separate subsets (subarrays) maybe formed Samples in one subarray may be the same genomic segment of DNA(or the same gene) from different individuals, or may be different,overlapped genomic clones. Each of the subarrays may represent replicaspotting of the same samples. In one example, a selected gene segmentmay be amplified from 64 patients. For each patient, the amplified genesegment may be in one 96-well plate (all 96 wells containing the samesample). A plate for each of the 64 patients is prepared. By using a96-pin device, all samples may be spotted on one 8×12 cm membrane.Subarrays may contain 64 samples, one from each patient. Where the 96subarrays are identical, the dot span may be 1 mm and there may be a 1mm space between subarrays.

Another approach is to use membranes or plates (available from NUNC,Naperville, Ill.) which may be partitioned by physical spacers e.g. aplastic grid molded over the membrane, the grid being similar to thesort of membrane applied to the bottom of multiwell plates, orhydrophobic strips. A fixed physical spacer is not preferred for imagingby exposure to flat phosphor-storage screens or x-ray films.

The present invention is illustrated in the following examples. Uponconsideration of the present disclosure, one of skill in the art willappreciate that many other embodiments and variations may be made in thescope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that thebroader aspects of the present invention not be limited to thedisclosure of the following examples. The present invention is not to belimited in scope by the exemplified embodiments which are intended asillustrations of single aspects of the invention, and compositions andmethods which are functionally equivalent are within the scope of theinvention. Indeed, numerous modifications and variations in the practiceof the invention are expected to occur to those skilled in the art uponconsideration of the present preferred embodiments Consequently, theonly limitations which should be placed upon the scope of the inventionare those which appear in the appended claims.

All references cited within the body of the instant specification arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

5. EXAMPLES Example 1 Isolation of SEQ ID NO:1 and 16 from a cDNALibraries of Human Cells

The novel nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 1 was obtained from a human cDNAlibrary prepared from adult brain (Clontech), using standard PCR,sequencing by hybridization sequence signature analysis, and Sangersequencing techniques. The novel nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 16 wasobtained from a human cDNA library prepared from fetal skin(Invitrogen), using standard PCR, sequencing by hybridization sequencesignature analysis, and Sanger sequencing techniques. The inserts of thelibrary were amplified with PCR using primers specific for vectorsequences flanking the inserts. These samples were spotted onto nylonmembranes and interrogated with oligonucleotide probes to give sequencesignatures. The clones were clustered into groups of similar oridentical sequences, and single representative clones were selected fromeach group for gel sequencing. The 5′ sequence of the amplified insertswas then deduced using the reverse M13 sequencing primer in a typicalSanger sequencing protocol. PCR products were purified and subjected tofluorescent dye terminator cycle sequencing. Single-pass gel sequencingwas done using a 377 Applied Biosystems (ABI) sequencer. These insertswas identified as a novel sequence not previously obtained from thislibrary and not previously reported in public databases. These sequencesare designated as SEQ ID NO: 1 and 16 in the attached sequence listing.

Example 2 Assemblage of SEQ ID NO: 8

The novel nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 8) of the invention was assembledfrom sequences that were obtained from various cDNA libraries by methodsdescribed in Example 1 above, and in some cases obtained from one ormore public databases. The final sequence was assembled using the ESTsequence as seed. Then a recursive algorithm was used to extend the seedinto an extended assemblage, by pulling additional sequences fromdifferent databases (i.e. Hyseq's database containing EST sequences,dbEST version 119, gb pri 119, and UniGene version 119) that belong tothis assemblage. The algorithm terminated when there was no additionalsequences from the above databases that would extend the assemblage.Inclusion of component sequences into the assemblage was based on aBLASTN hit to the extending assemblage with BLAST score greater than 300and percent identity greater than 95%.

Using PHRAP (Univ. of Washington) or CAP4 (Paracel), a full-length genecDNA sequence and its corresponding protein sequence were generated fromthe assemblage. Any frame shifts and incorrect sop codons were correctedby hand editing. During editing, the sequence was checked using FASTYand BLAST against Genbank (i.e. dbEST version 121, gb pri 1221, UniGeneversion 121, Genpept release 121). Other computer programs which mayhave been used in the editing process were phredPhrap and Consed(University of Washington) and ed-ready, ed-ext and cg-zip-2 (Hyseq,Inc.). The full-length nucleotide and amino acid sequences are shown inthe Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NOS: 8 and 9.

SEQ ID NO: 8 is expressed in adult brain tissue.

The homology for SEQ ID NO: 8 was obtained by BLASTP version 2.0 al 19MP-Wash U search against Genpept release 120 and the amino acid versionof Geneseq released on Oct. 26, 2000, using BLAST algorithm. The resultsshowed homologues for SEQ ID NO:8 from Genpept. The homologues withidentifiable functions for SEQ IS NO: 8 are shown in Table below.

Accession No. Description Smith-Waterman Score % Identity AB016768 Musmusculus 189 40 tbrombospondin type 1 domain

The nucleotide sequence within the sequences that codes for signalpeptide sequences and their cleavage sites can be determined from usingNeural network SignalP V 1.1 program (from Center for BiologicalSequence Analysis, The Technical University of Denmark). The process foridentifying prokaryotic and eukaryotic signal peptides and theircleavage sites are also disclosed by Henrik Nielson, Jacob Engelbrecht,Soren Brunak and Gunnar von Heijne in the publication “Identification ofprokaryotic and eukaryotic signal peptides and predication of theircleavage sites” Protein Engineering, Vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1-6 (1997),incorporated herein by reference. A maximum S score of 0.942 and a meanS score of 0.713, as described in the Nielson et al reference, wasobtained for the signal peptide sequence at residues 1-21 of SEQ ID NO:9.

Further annotation of SEQ ID NO: 8 and 9 can be found in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/799,451 filed Mar. 5, 2001, herein incorporatedby reference in its entirety.

Example 3 Assemblage of SEQ ID NO: 12, 17, and 26

The novel nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 12, 17, and 26) of the invention wereassembled from sequences that was obtained from a cDNA library bymethods described in Example 1 above, and in some cases obtained fromone or more public databases. The final sequence was assembled using theEST sequences as seed. Then a recursive algorithm was used to extend theseed into an extended assemblage, by pulling additional sequences fromdifferent databases (i.e. Hyseq's database containing EST sequences,dbEST version 124, gb pri 124, and UniGene version 124) that belong tothis assemblage. The algorithm terminated when there was no additionalsequences from the above databases that would extend the assemblage.Inclusion of component sequences into the assemblage was based on aBLASTN hit to the extending assemblage with BLAST score greater than 300and percent identity greater than 95%.

Using PHRAP (Univ. of Washington) or CAP4 (Paracel), a full-length genecDNA sequence and its corresponding protein sequence were generated fromthe assemblage. Any frame shifts and incorrect sop codons were correctedby hand editing. During editing, the sequence was checked using PASTYand BLAST against Genbank (i.e. dbEST version 124, gb pri 124, UniGeneversion 124, Genpept release 124). Other computer programs which mayhave been used in the editing process were phredPhrap and Consed(University of Washington) and ed-ready, ed-ext and cg-zip-2 (Hyseq,Inc.). The full-length nucleotide and amino acid sequences are shown inthe Sequence Listing as SEQ ID NOS: 12-13, 17-18, and 26-27.

By checking Hyseq proprietary database established from screening byhybridization, SEQ ID NO: 12 is found to be expressed in human infantbrain, and human adult brain tissue.

By checking Hyseq proprietary database established from screening byhybridization, SEQ ID NO: 17 is found to be expressed in human mammarygland, fetal skin, infant brain, fetal liver-spleen, and fetal lung.

Example 4 Assemblage of SEQ ID NO: 2

The novel nucleic acid (SEQ ID NO: 2) of the invention was assembledfrom SEQ ID NO: 1 that were obtained from a cDNA library by methodsdescribed in Example 1 above. Using transposon sequencing techniquedifferent clones containing the SEQ ID NO: 1 were further sequenced intheir entirety. Resulting overlapping sequences were then assembled togive rise to the full-length sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Example 5 A. Cloning and Expression of Soluble Stem Cell Factor-LikePolynucleotides (SEQ ID NO: 2, 8, 12, 17, or 26) and Polypeptides (SEQID NO: 3, 9, 13, 18, or 27)

In order to express soluble stem cell factor-like polypeptide, thefull-length stem cell factor-like DNA is PCR amplified fromMarathon-ready cDNA libraries (Clontech). The primary PCR product isfurther amplified using nested PCR primers, that would generate solublestem cell factor-like polypeptide when expressed in suitable cell lines.The product of the secondary PCR (SEQ ID NO: 2, 8, 12, 17, and 26) iscloned in pCDNA3.1/Myc-His (+) A between EcoRI and XhoI sites. Theplasmid encoding soluble stem cell factor-like polypeptide and controlvectors are transfected into CHO cells using FuGENE-6 transfectionreagent (Roche). Culture medium, cell lysate and the insoluble celldebris fractions are analyzed by SDS-PAGE followed by western blottingwith anti myc antibodies.

Using similar approach, stable lines of 293 cells expressing SEQ ID NO:3, 9, 13, 18, and 27 are also generated. These are further cloned toselect high, moderate and low expressors.

B. Expression and Purification of SEQ ID NO: 3, 9, 13, 18, or 27 fromInsect and Bacterial Cells

Stem cell factor-like protein are expressed in insect cells as follows:

The stem cell factor-like gene (SEQ ID NO: 2, 8, 12, 17, or 26) iscloned by PCR into a pIB/V5-His TOPO TA cloning vector (InvitrogenCorporation). The stem cell factor-like DNA in the vector is generatedeither with a Myc/His tag or without any tags. Insect cells (High FiveTM, Invitrogen) are transfected with the stem cell growth factor-likeplasmid DNA containing the tag by using the InsectSelect™ System(Invitrogen). The expression of the stem cell growth factor-like proteinis determined by transient expression. The medium containing expressedstem cell growth factor-like protein is separated on SDS-PAGE and stemcell growth factor-like protein is identified by Western blot analysis.For large-scale production of stem cell growth factor-like protein,resistant cells are expanded into flasks containing UltimateInsectSerum-Free medium Invitrogen). The cells are shaken at ˜100 mph at27° C. for 4 days. The conditioned media containing the protein forpurification are collected by centrifugation.

Stem cell factor-like protein is expressed in bacterial cells asfollows:

The mature stem cell growth factor-like gene (SEQ ID NO: 2, 8, 12, 17,or 26) is cloned into an expression vector (PCR T7/NT-TOPO) fromInvitrogen. The resulting plasmid is expressed in E. coli BL-21 (DE 3)pLys strain. Cells are grown in LB broth containing ampicillin (100□g/mL) at 37° C. Expression of stem cell growth factor-like protein isthen induced with IPTG (1 mM final concentration), and cells are grownfor an additional 4 hours and harvested. Analysis of stem cell growthfactor-like production by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting is done asdetailed above.

Purification of stem cell growth factor-like protein from insect cellcultures is carried out as follows. Insect Ultimate medium containingthe His-tagged stem cell growth factor-like is to pH 7.5 by addingappropriate quantity of 1M NaOH. The solution is then supplemented with1 mM PMSF (final concentration) to prevent the proteolytic cleavageduring the purification process. The medium is passed through a 0.2micron filter (Nalgene Surfactant Free Cellulose Acetate 1000 mL sterilefilter unit) to remove particulate material. The resulting solution isconcentrated 10-fold and simultaneously equilibrated with 20 mM sodiumphosphate, pH 7.5 using a diafiltration cartridge with a membrane cutoff size of 10 kDa. The 10-fold concentrated and diafiltered media isloaded onto a Ni-NTA column equilibrated with 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH7.5. Unretained components are removed by washing the column with 20 mMsodium phosphate pH 7.5 containing 300 mM NaCl and 20 mM Imidazole. TheHis-tagged stem cell growth factor-like protein ids eluted with the samebuffer and a linear gradient of imidazole (20-300 mM). The elutedprotein is identified as described above. The pooled fractionscontaining stem cell growth factor-like are equilibrated with PBS bufferusing Amicon stircell with a membrane cut off size of 10 kDa. Thisprocess also results in the removal of imidazole. The protein is thenconcentrated to approximately 10 mg/mL in PBS buffer for functionalstudies.

Purification of stem cell growth factor-like protein from bacterialcultures is carried out as follows. E. coli cells expressing stem cellgrowth factor-like as inclusion bodies are extracted with 10 volumes(wt/vol) of extraction buffer (50 mM NaPO4, pH 7.0) and further withbuffer containing 6M guanidine hydrochloride in the extraction buffer.The solubilized stem cell growth factor-like protein is fractionated ona Ni-NTA column as described above. The unfolded version of stem cellgrowth factor-like protein obtained from this affinity purification isallowed to attain a native conformation by incubation with a refoldingbuffer consisting of DTT and glutathione. Refolded sample isequilibrated with 20 mM Tris, 0.1% Tween and concentrated to 100 mL (10×conc.) prior to fast-flow liquid chromatography on ion-exchangersQ-Sepharose and SP-Sepharose. Additional protocols are also developedfor appropriate refolding conditions using 8M urea instead of 6Mguanidine hydrochloride.

Example 6 Expression of SEQ ID NO: 2, 8, 12, 17, or 26 in Primary HumanCells

The product of the secondary nested PCR from a suitable Marathon libraryor any other polynucleotide encoding stem cell growth factor-likepolypeptide are cloned into MSCV retroviral vector (Clontech) intosuitable cloning sites using appropriate forward and reverse PCRprimers. This retroviral vector is then transfected using FUGENE-6transfection reagent into packaging cell lines to produce suitably largequantities of retrovirus that will have the stem cell growth factor-likeDNA cloned in it. Retrovirus containing supernatants are prepared frompackaged cell lines and mixed with stromal or stem cells. Uponretrovirus transduction these transduced cells may express the stem cellgrowth factor-like protein which can then be analyzed as follows:

A. Liquid Culture Assay: Stem cells from hematopoietic or other originsare commercially purchased. 1×10⁴ stem cells will be plated in a 96-wellplate. 50-200 ng/ml of purified stem cell growth factor-like protein orother suitable growth factors at appropriate concentrations is added tothe stem cells. IL-3 and IL-6 will be added after 5 days of incubation.Cultures are microscopically observed and counted every day. Flowcytometry staining is performed to determine cell lineagedifferentiation. In two preliminary experiments carried out withpurified protein having a sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 18, nosignificant change was observed relative to control.

B. Stroma-associated Culture Assay: Stromal cells from suitable tissuesare obtained from commercial vendors. 1×10⁴ stem cells were co-culturedwith 1×10⁴ stem cell growth factor-like polynucleotide transducedstromal cells. Cultures are microscopically observed and counted everyday. Plow cytometry staining can be performed to determine cell lineagedifferentiation. In two preliminary experiments carried out with thenucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, no significant change was observedrelative to control. The experiment was also carried out twice with thenucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one of the two experiments withSEQ ID NO: 2, visual observation showed an approximately two-foldincrease in the number of stem cells.

Example 7 Expression Study Using SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14,16-17, 19, or 26

The expression of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 invarious tissues is analyzed using a semi-quantitative polymerase chainreaction-based technique. Human cDNA libraries are used as sources ofexpressed genes from tissues of interest (adult bladder, adult brain,adult heart, adult kidney, adult lymph node, adult liver, adult lung,adult ovary, adult placenta, adult rectum, adult spleen, adult testis,bone marrow, thymus, thyroid gland, fetal kidney, fetal liver, fetalliver-spleen, fetal skin, fetal brain, fetal leukocyte and macrophage).Gene-specific primers are used to amplify portions of SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4,8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 sequences from the samples. Amplifiedproducts are separated on an agarose gel, transferred and chemicallylinked to a nylon filter. The filter is then hybridized with aradioactively labeled (³³P-dCTP) double-stranded probe generated fromSEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 using a Klenowpolymerase, random-prime method. The filters are washed (highstringency) and used to expose a phosphorimaging screen for severalhours. Bands indicate the presence of cDNA including SEQ ID NO: 1-2, 4,8, 10, 12, 14, 16-17, 19, or 26 sequences in a specific library, andthus mRNA expression in the corresponding cell type or tissue.

1. An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which is atleast 99% identical to the amino acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of SEQ ID NO:18, or
 27. 2. An isolated polypeptide comprisingan amino acid sequence which is at least 95% identical to the amino acidsequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 18 or
 27. 3.An isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18 or
 27. 4. A composition comprising the polypeptide of claims 1, 2 or3 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 5. The polypeptide of claim3 produced by the process comprising: a) culturing a host cellcomprising a polynucleotide sequence selected from the group consistingof SEQ ID NO: 17 or 26, or the mature protein portion thereof, underconditions sufficient to express the polypeptide in said cell; and b)isolating the polypeptide from the cell culture or cells in step (a). 6.A method of producing the polypeptide of claim 3, comprising: a)culturing a host cell comprising a polynucleotide sequence selected fromthe group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 26, or the mature proteinportion thereof, under conditions sufficient to express the polypeptidein said cell; and b) isolating the polypeptide from the cell culture orcells in step (a).
 7. An isolated polypeptide encoded by apolynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 17 or26, or the mature protein coding portion thereof.